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THE 

ftOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, 



OF THE 

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY 
SAINTS, CONTAINING THE REVELATIONS 

GIVEN TO 

OSEPH SMITH, JUN., THE PKOPHET, 

FOR THE 

BUILDING UP OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN 
THE LAST DAYS. 



DIVIDED INTO VERSES, WITH REFERENCES, 1ff 

By ORSON PRATT, gfck iu 

■ & MAY 4 1 882 ^ 

-j> , .y ,) ot 

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: ." 

Deseret News Company, Printers and Publishers 

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DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS. 



LECTURES ON FAITH. 



LECTURE FIRST. 

On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a 
Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio. 

1. Faith being the first principle in revealed reli- 
gion, and the foundation of all righteousness, neces- 
sarily claims the first place in a course of lectures 
which are designed to unfold to the understanding the 
doctrine of Jesus Christ. 

2. In presenting the subject of faith, we shall 
observe the following order — 

3. First, faith itself — what it is. 

4. Secondly, the object on which it rests. And, 

5. Thirdly, the effects which flow from it. 

6. Agreeable to this order we have first to show 
what faith is. 

7. The author of the epistle to the Hebrews, in 
the eleventh chapter of that epistle and first verse, 
gives the following definition of the word faith : 

_ 8. " Now faith is the substance (assurance) of 
things hoped for, the evidence of tilings not seen," 

B 



2 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. 1 

9. From this we learn that faith is the assurance 
which men have of the existence of things which they 
have not seen, and the principle of action in all intelli- 
gent beings. 

10. If men were duly to consider themselves, and 
turn their thoughts and reflections to the operations of 
their own minds, they would readily discover that it 
is faith, and faith only, which is the moving cause of 
all action in them ; that without it both mind and 
body would be in a state of inactivity, and all their 
exertions would ceaae, both physical and mental. 

11. Were this class to go back and reflect upon the 
history of their lives, from the period of their first re- 
collection, and ask themselves what principle excited 
them to action, or what gave them energy and activity 
in all their lawful avocations, callings, and pursuits, 
what would be the answer ? Would it not be that it 
was the assurance which they had of the existence of 
things which they had not seen as yet ? Was it not 
the hope which you had, in consequence of your belief 
in the existence of unseen things, which stimulate you 
to action and exertion in order to obtain them ? Are 
you not dependent on your faith, or belief, for the ac- 
quisition of all knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence? 
Would you exert yourselves to obtain wisdom and in- 
telligence, unless you did believe that you could obtain 
them ? Would you have ever sown, if you had not 
believed that you would reap ? Would you have ever 
planted, if you had not believed that you would gather ? 
Would you have ever asked, unless you had believed 
that you would receive ? Would you have ever sought, 
unless you had believed that you would have found ? 
Or, would you have ever knocked, unless you had be- 
lieved that it would have been opened unto you ? In 
a word,, is there anything that you would have done, 
either physical or mental, if you had not previously 
believed ? Are not all your exertions of every kind, 
dependent on your faith ? Or, may w^e not ask, what 



LEO. I.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 3 

have you, or what do you possess, which you have not 
obtained by reason of your faith ? Your food, your 
raiment, your lodgings, are they not all by reason of 
your faith ? Reflect, and ask yourselves if these things 
are not so. Turn your thoughts on your own minds, 
and see if faith is not the moving cause of all action 
in yourselves ; and, if the moving cause in you, is it 
not in all other intelligent beings ? 

12. And as faith is the moving cause of all action 
in temporal concerns, so it is in spiritual ; for the 
Saviour has said, and that truly, that " He that be- 
lieveth and is baptized, shall be saved." Mark xvi. 16. 

13. As we receive by faith all temporal blessings 
that we do receive, so we in like manner receive by 
faith all spiritual blessings that we do receive. But 
faith is not only the principle of action, but of power 
also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on 
earth. Thus says the author of the epistle to the 
Hebrews, xi. 3 — 

14. " Through faith we understand that the worlds 
were framed by the word of God ; so that things 
which are seen were not made of things which do ap- 
pear/' 

15. By this we understand that the principle of 
power which existed in the bosom of God, by which 
the worlds were framed, was faith ; and that it is by 
reason of this principle of power existing in the Deity, 
that all created things exist ; so that all things in 
heaven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of 
faith as it existed in Him. 

16. Had it not been for the principle of faith the 
worlds would never have been framed, neither would 
man have been formed of the dust. It is the principle 
by which Jehovah w^orks, and through which he exer- 
cises power over all temporal as well as eternal things. 
Take this principle or attribute — for it is an attribute 
— from the Deity, and he would cease to exist. 

17. Who cannot see, that if God framed the worlds 



4 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. I. 

by faith, that it is by faith that he exercises power over 
them, and that faith is the principle of power ? And 
if the principle of power, it must be so in man as well 
as in the Deity? This is the testimony of all the 
sacred winters, and the lesson which they have been 
endeavouring to teach to man. 

18. The Saviour says (Matthew xvii. 19, 20), in 
explaining the reason why the disciples could not cast 
out the devil, that it was because of their unbelief — 
"For verily I say unto you" (said he), "if ye have 
faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this 
mountain, ' Remove hence to yonder place/ and it shall 
remove ; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." 

19. Moroni, while abridging and compiling the 
record of his fathers, has given us the following 
account of faith as the principle of power. He says, 
page 597, that it was the faith of Alma and Amulek 
which caused the walls of the prison to be rent, as re- 
corded on the 278th page ; it was the faith of Nephi 
and Lehi which caused a change to be wrought upon 
the hearts of the Lamanites, when they were immersed 
with the Holy Spirit and with fire, as seen on 
the 443rd page ; and that it was by faith that the 
mountain Zerin was removed when the brother of Jared 
spake in the name of the Lord. See also 599th page. 

20. In addition to this we are told in Hebrews xi. 
32, 33, 34, 35, that Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, 
David, Samuel, and the prophets, through faith sub- 
dued kingdoms, w r rought righteousness, obtained pro- 
mises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the J 
violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword ; out I 
of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, | 
turned to flight the armies of the aliens, and that 
women received their dead raised to life again, &c, &c| 

21. Also Joshua, in the sight of all Israel, bade thq 
sun and moon to stand still, and it was done. Joshu^j 
x. 12. 

22. We here understand, that the sacred writerl 



LEC. I.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 5 

say that all these things were done by faith. It was by 
faith that the worlds were framed. God spake, chaos 
heard, and worlds came into order by reason of the 
faith there was in Him. So with man also ; he spake 
by faith in the name of God, and the sun stood still, 
the moon obeyed, mountains removed, prisons fell, 
lions' mouths were closed, the human heart lost its 
enmity, fire its violence, armies their power, the sword 
its terror, and death its dominion ; and all this by 
reason of the faith which was in him. 

23. Had it not been for the faith which was in 
men, they might have spoken to the sun, the moon, 
the mountains, prisons, the human heart, fire, armies, 
the sword, or to death in vain ! 

24. Faith, then, is the first great governing prin- 
ciple which has power, dominion, and authority over 
all things ; by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by 
it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to 
the will of God. Without it there is no power, and 
without power there could be no creation nor exist- 
ence ! 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING 
PRINCIPLES. 

What is theology ? It is that revealed science which 
treats of the being and attributes of God, his relations 
to us, the dispensations of his providence, his will 
with respect to our actions, and his purposes with re- 
spect to our end. Buck's Theological Dictionary, page 
582. 

What is the first principle in this revealed science ? 
Faith. Lecture i. 1. 

Why is faith the first principle in this revealed 
science ? Because it is the foundation of all righteous- 
ness. Hebrews xi. 6 : " Without faith it is impossible 



G LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. I. 

to please God." 1 John iii. 7 : "Little children, let 
no man deceive you ; he that doeth righteousness, is 
righteous, even as he (God) is righteous." Lecture i. 1. 

What arrangement should be followed in presenting 
the subject of faith ? First, it should be shown what 
faith is. Lecture i. 3. Secondly, the object upon 
which it rests. Lecture i. 4. And, thirdly, the effects 
which flow from it. Lecture i. 5. 

What is faith ? It is the assurance of things hoped 
for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews xi. 1) ; 
that is, it is the assurance we have of the existence of 
unseen things. And being the assurance which we 
have of the existence of unseen things, must be the 
principle of action in all intelligent beings. Hebrews 
xi. 3 : " Through faith we understand the worlds were 
framed by the word of God." Lecture i. 8, 9. 

How do you prove that faith is the principle of 
action in all intelligent beings ? First, by duly con- 
sidering the operations of my own mind ; and, secondly, 
by the direct declaration of Scripture. Hebrews xi. 
7 : "By faith Noah, being warned of things not seen 
as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving 
of his house, by the which he condemned the world, 
and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." 
Hebrews xi. 8 : "By faith Abraham, when he was 
called to go into a place which he should afterwards 
receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out 
not knowing whither he went." Hebrews xi. 9 : "By 
faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a 
strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac 
and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise." 
Hebrews xi. 27 : By faith Moses " forsook Egypt, not 
fearing the wrath of the king, for he endured as seeing 
him who is invisible." Lecture i. 10, 11. 

Is not faith the principle of action in spiritual 
things as well as in temporal ? It is. 

How do you prove it ? Hebrews xi. 6 : " Without 
faith it is impossible to please God," Mark xvi. 16 : 



LEC. I.J LECTURES ON FAITH. 7 

" He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." 
Romans iv. 16 : " Therefore it is of faith that it 
might be by grace ; to the end the promise might be 
sure to all the seed ; not to that only which is of the 
law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, 
who is the father of us all." Lecture i. 12, 13. 

Is faith anything else beside the principle of action ? 
It is. 

What is it ? It is the principle of power also, 
lecture i. 13. 

How do you prove it ? First, it is the principle of 
power in the Deity as well as in man. Hebrews xi. 3 : 
" Through faith we understand that the worlds were 
framed by the word of God, so that things which are 
seen were not made of things which do appear." Lec- 
ture i. 14, 15, 16. Secondly, it is the principle of 
power in man also. Book of Mormon, page 278. Alma 
and Amulek are delivered from prison. Ibid, page 443. 
Nephi and Lehi, with the Lamanites, are immersed 
with the Spirit. Ibid, page 599. The mountain Zerin, 
by the faith of the brother of Jared, is removed. 
Joshua x. 12 : " Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the 
day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before 
the children of Israel, and he said, in the sight of 
Israel, 'Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou moon 
in the valley of Ajalon/ " Joshua x. 13 : " And the 
sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people 
had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this 
written in the book of Jasher ? So the sun stood still 
in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down 
about a whole day." Matthew xvii. 19 : "Then came 
the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, ' Why could not 
we cast him out ? ' " Matthew xvii. 20 : " And Jesus 
said unto them, Because of your unbelief ; for verily I 
say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard 
seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, ' Remove hence 
to yonder place/ and it shall remove ; and nothing 
shall be impossible unto you." Hebrews xi. 32 and 



8 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. I. 

the following verses : " And what shall I say more ? 
for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and oi 
Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, of David also, 
and Samuel, and of the prophets, who through faith 
subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained 
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the 
violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword ; out of 
weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, 
turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women 
received their dead raised to life again, and others were 
tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might 
obtain a better resurrection/ ' Lecture i. 16, 17, 18, 
19, 20, 21, 22. 

How would you define faith in its most unlimited 
sense ? It is the first great governing principle which 
has power, dominion, and authority over all things. 
Lecture i. 24. 

How do you convey to the understanding more 
clearly that faith is the first great governing principle 
which has power, dominion, and authority over all 
things ? By it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it 
they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to 
the will of God ; and without it there is no power, and 
without power there could be no creation nor existence ! 
Lecture i. 24. 



g^gt gf^ ^^g 



LEC. n.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 



LECTURE SECOND. 

1. Having shown in our previous lecture " faith it- 
self — what it is," we shall proceed to show, secondly, 
the object on which it rests. 

2. We here observe that God is the only supreme 
governor and independent being in whom all fullness 
and perfection dwell ; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, 
and omniscient ; without beginning of days or end of 
life ; and that in him every good gift and every good 
principle dwell ; and that he is the Father of lights ; 
in him the principle of faith dwells independently, 
and he is the object in whom the faith of all other 
rational and accountable beings center for life and 
salvation. 

3. In order to present this part of the subject in a 
clear and conspicuous point of light, it is necessary to 
go back and show the evidences which mankind have 
had, and the foundation on which these evidences are, 
or were, based since the creation, to believe in the exist- 
ence of a God. 

4. We do not mean those evidences which are 
manifested by the works of creation which we daily 
behold with our natural eyes. We are sensible that, 
after a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of crea- 
tion, throughout their vast forms and varieties, clearly 
exhibit his eternal power and Godhead. Romans i. 
20 : " For the invisible things of him from the crea- 
tion of the world are clearly seen, being understood 
by the things that are made, even his eternal power 
and Godhead ; " but we mean those evidences by 
which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds 
of men that there was a God who created all things. 



10 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. 

5. We shall now proceed to examine the situation 
of man at his first creation. Moses, the historian, has 
given us the following account of him in the first chap- 
ter of the book. of Genesis, beginning with the 20th 
verse, and closing with the 30th. We copy from the 
new translation : 

6. " And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, 
which was with me from the beginning, ' Let us make 
man in our image, after our likeness ; ' and it was so. 

7. "And I, God, said, 'Let them have dominion 
over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, 
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over 
every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth/ 

8. " And I, God, created man in mine own image, 
in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him ; 
male and female created I them. And I, God, blessed 
them, and said unto them, ' Be fruitful, and multiply, 
and replenish the earth, and subdue it ; and have do- 
minion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of 
the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon 
the earth/ 

9. " And I, God, said unto man, ( Behold, I have 
given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the 
face of all the earth, and every tree in the which shall 
be the fruit of a tree yielding seed ; to you it shall be 
for meat/ " 

10. Again, Genesis ii. 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 : "And I, 
the Lord God, took the man, and put him into the 
garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it. And I, the 
Lord God, commanded the man saying, ' Of every tree 
of the garden thou mayest freely eat ; but of the tree 
of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat 
cf it ; nevertheless thou mayest choose for thyself, for 
it is given unto thee ; but remember that I forbid it, 
for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die/ 

11. "And out of the ground I, the Lord God, 
formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the 
air, and commanded that they should come unto 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 11 

Adam, to see what he would call them. * * * And 
whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that 
should be the name thereof. And Adam gave names 
to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every 
beast of the field." 

12. From the foregoing we learn man's situation at 
his first creation, the knowledge with which he was 
endowed, and the high and exalted station in which 
he was placed — lord or governor of all things on earth, 
and at the same time enjoying communion and inter- 
course with his Maker, without a vail to separate 
between. We shall next proceed to examine the 
account given of his fall, and of his being driven out 
of the garden of Eden, and from the presence of the 
Lord. 

13. Moses proceeds — " And they" (Adam and Eve) 
" heard the voice of the Lord God, as they were walk- 
ing in the garden, in the cool of the day ; and Adam 
and his wife went to hide themselves from the presence 
of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 
And I, the Lord God, called unto Adam, and said unto 
him, ' Where goest thou ? ' And he said, c I heard thy 
voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I beheld 
that I was naked, and I hid myself/ 

14. " And I, the Lord God, said unto Adam, ( Who 
told thee thou wast naked ? Hast thou eaten of the 
tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not 
eat ? If so, thou shouldst surely die ? ' And the man 
said, 'The woman whom thou gavest me, and com- 
mandedst that she should remain with me, gave me 
of the fruit of the tree, and I did eat/ 

15. "And I, the Lord God, said unto the woman, 
c What is this thing which thou hast done ? ' And 
the woman said, ' The serpent beguiled me, and I did 
eat/ 

16. And again, the Lord said unto the woman, " ' I 
will greatly multiply thy sorrow, and thy conception. 
In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children ; and thy 



12 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IT. 

desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over 
thee. 

1 7. "And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said, 'Becauso 
thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and 
hast eaten of the fruit of the tree of which I com- 
manded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it ! cursed 
shall be the ground for thy sake ; in sorrow thou shalt 
eat of it all the days of thy life. Thorns also, and 
thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat 
the herb of the field. By the sweat of thy face shalt 
thou eat bread, until thou shalt return unto the 
ground — for thou shalt surely die — for out of it wast 
thou taken : for dust thou wast, and unto dust shalt 
thou return.' " This was immediately followed by the 
fulfillment of what we previously said — Man was 
driven or sent out of Eden. 

18. Two important items are shown from the former 
quotations. First, after man was created, he was not 
left without intelligence or understanding, to wander 
in darkness and spend an existence in ignorance and 
doubt (on the great and important point which effected 
his happiness) as to the real fact by whom he was 
created, or unto whom he was amenable for his con- 
duct. God conversed with him face to face. In his 
presence he was permitted to stand, and from his 
own mouth he was permitted to receive instruction. 
He heard his voice, walked before him and gazed upon 
his glory, while intelligence burst upon his understand- 
ing, and enabled him to give names to the vast assem- 
blage of his Maker's works. 

19. Secondly, we have seen, that though man did 
transgress, his transgression did not deprive him of 
the previous knowledge with which he was endowed 
relative to the existence and glory of his Creator ; for 
no sooner did he hear his voice than he sought to hide 
himself from his presence. 

20. Having shown, then, in the first instance, that 
God began to converse with man immediately after he 



IEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 13 

u breathed into his nostrils the breath of life," and 
that he did not cease to manifest himself to him, even 
after his fall, we shall next proceed to show, that 
though he was cast out from the garden of Eden, his 
knowledge of the existence of God was not lost, 
neither did God cease to manifest his will unto him. 

21. We next proceed to present the account of the 
direct revelation which man received after he was 
cast out of Eden, and further copy from the new 
translation — 

22. After Adam had been driven out of the garden, 
he " began to till the earth, and to have dominion over 
all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread by the 
sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him/' 
And he called upon the name of the Lord, and so did 
Eve, his wife, also. " And they heard the voice of the 
Lord, from the way toward the garden of Eden, speak- 
ing unto them, and they saw him not, for they were 
shut out from his presence ; and he gave unto them 
commandments that they should worship the Lord 
their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks 
for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obe- 
dient unto the commandments of the Lord. 

23. " And after many days an angel of the Lord 
appeared unto Adam, saying, ' Why dost thou offer 
sacrifices unto the Lord ? ' And Adam said unto him, 
1 1 know not ; save the Lord commanded me/ 

24. " And then the angel spake, saying, 'This thing 
is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten 
of the Father, who is full of grace and truth. And 
thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the 
Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the 
name of the Son for evermore.' And in that day the 
Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of 
the Father and the Son." 

25. This last quotation, or summary, shows this 
important fact, that though our first parents were 
driven out of the garden of Eden, and were even sepa- 



14 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IL 

rated from the presence of God by a vail, they still 
retained a knowledge of his existence, and that suffi- 
ciently to move them to call upon him. And further, 
that no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to 
man, and he began to call upon God, than the Holy 
Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and 
Son. 

26. Moses also gives us an account, in the fourth of 
Genesis, of the transgression of Cain, and the right- 
eousness of Abel, and of the revelations of God to them. 
He says, " In process of time, Cain brought of the 
fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And 
Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of 
the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, 
and to his offering ; but unto Cain and to his offering 
he had not respect. Now Satan knew this, and it 
pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his coun- 
tenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, ' Why art 
thou wroth ? Why is thy countenance fallen ? If thou 
doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest 
not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to 
have thee ; and except thou shalt hearken unto my 
commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be 
unto thee according to his desire/ 

27. "And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked 
with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that 
while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, 
his brother, and slew him. And* Cain gloried in that 
which he had done, saying, ' I am free ; surely the 
flocks of my brother falleth into my hands.' 

28. " But the Lord said unto Cain, ' Where is Abel, 
thy brother ? ' And he said, ' I know not. Am I my 
brother's keeper?' And the Lord said, 'What hast 
thou done ? the voice of thy brother's blood cries unto 
me from the ground. And now, thou shalt be cursed 
from the earth which hath opened her mouth to receive 
thy brother's blood from thy hand. When thou tillest 
the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 15 

strength. A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in 
the earth.' 

29. " And Cain said unto the Lord, c Satan tempted 
me because of my brother's flocks. And I was wroth 
also ; for his offering thou didst accept and not mine ; 
my punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold 
thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the 
Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid ; and I shall be 
a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth ; and it shall 
come to pass that he that findeth me will slay me 
because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid 
from the Lord.' And the Lord said unto him, ' Who- 
soever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him 
sevenfold.' And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest 
any finding him should kill him." 

f 30. The object of the foregoing quotations is to 
show to this class the way by which mankind were first 
made acquainted with the existence of a God ; that it 
was by a manifestation of God to man, and that God 
continued, after man's transgression, to manifest him- 
self to him and to his posterity ; and, notwithstanding 
they were separated from his immediate presence that 
they could not see his face, they continued to hear his 
voice. 

31. Adam, thus being made acquainted with God, 
communicated the knowledge which he had unto his 
posterity ; and it was through this means that the 
thought was first suggested to their minds that there 
was a God, which laid the foundation for the exercise 
of their faith, through which they could obtain a know- 
ledge of his character and also of his glory. 

32. Not only was there a manifestation made unto 
Adam of the existence of a God ; but Moses informs 
us, as before quoted, that God condescended to talk 
with Cain after his great transgression in slaying his 
brother, and that Cain knew that it was the Lord that 
was talking with him, so that when he was driven out 
from the presence of his brethren, he carried with him 



16 LECTURES ON FAITH, [LEG. II. 

the knowledge of the existence of a God ; and, through 
this means, doubtless, his posterity became acquainted 
with the fact that such a Being existed. 

33. From this we can see that the whole human 
family in the early age of their existence, in all their 
different branches, had this knowledge disseminated 
among them ; so that the existence of God became an 
object of faith in the early age of the world. And the 
evidences which these men had of the existence of a 
God, w T as the testimony of their fathers in the first 
instance. 

34. The reason why we have been thus particular 
on this part of our subject, is that this class may see 
by what means it was that God became an object of 
faith among men after the fall ; and what it was that 
stirred up the faith of multitudes to feel after him — to 
search after a knowledge of his character, perfections 
and attributes, until they became extensively acquaint- 
ed with him, and not only commune with him and 
behold his glory, but be partakers of his power and 
stand in his presence. 

35. Let this class mark particularly, that the testi- 
mony which these men had of the existence of a God, 
was the testimony of man ; for previous to the time 
that any of Adam's posterity had obtained a manifesta- 
tion of God to themselves, Adam, their common father, 
had testified unto them of the existence of God, and 
of his eternal power and Godhead. 

36. For instance, Abel, before he received the as- 
surance from heaven that his offerings were acceptable 
unto God, had received the important information of 
his father that such a Being did exist, who had created 
and who did uphold all things. Neither can there be 
a doubt existing on the mind of any person, that 
Adam was the first who did communicate the know- 
ledge of the existence of a God to his posterity ; and 
that the whole faith of the world, from that time 
down to the present, is in a certain degree dependent 



LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 17 

on the knowledge first communicated to them by their 
common progenitor ; and it has been handed down to 
the day and generation in which we live, as we shall 
show from the face of the sacred records. 

37. First, Adam was 130 years old when Seth was 
born. Genesis v. 3. And the days of Adam, after he 
had begotten Seth, were 800 years, making him 930 
years old when he died. Genesis v. 4, 5. Seth was 
105 when Enos was born (verse 6) ; Enos was 90 when 
Cainan was born (verse 9) ; Cainan was 70 when Ma- 
halaleel was born (verse 12) ; Mahalaleel was 65 when 
Jared was born (verse 15) ; Jared was 162 when Enoch 
was born (verse 18) ; Enoch was 65 when Methuselah 
was born (verse 21) ; Methuselah was 187 when Lamech 
was born (verse 25) ; Lamech was 182 when Noah was 
born (verse 28). 

38. From this account it appears that Lamech, the 
9th from Adam, and the father of Noah, was 56 years 
old when Adam died ; Methuselah, 243 ; Enoch, 308 ; 
Jared, 470 ; Mahalaleel, 535 ; Cainan, 605 ; Enos, 
695 ; and Seth, 800. 

39. So that Lamech the father of Noah, Methuselah, 
Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel, Cainan, Enos, Seth, and 
Adam, were all living at the same time, and, be- 
yond all controversy, were all preachers of righteous- 
ness. 

40. Moses further informs us that Seth lived after 
he begat Enos, 807 years, making him 912 years old at 
his death. Genesis v. 7, 8. And Enos lived after he 
begat Cainan, 815 years, making him 905 years old 
when he died (verses 10, 11). And Cainan lived after 
he begat Mahalaleel, 840 years, making him 910 years 
old at his death (verses 13, 14). And Mahalaleel lived 
after he begat Jared, 830 years, making him 895 years 
old when he died (verses 16, 17). And Jared lived after 
he begat Enoch, 800 years, making him 962 years old at 
bis death (verses 19, 20). And Enoch walked with 
God after he begat Methuselah 300 years, making him 

c 



18 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. 

365 years old when lie was translated (verses 22, 23).* 
And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech, 782 
years, making him 969 years old when he died (verses 
26, 27). Lamech lived after he begat Noah, 595 years, 
making him 777 years old when he died (verses 30, 31). 

41. Agreeable to this account, Adam died in the 
930th year of the world ; Enoch was translated in the 
987th,* Seth died in the 1042nd ; Enosin the 1140th ; 
Cainan in the 1235th ; Mahalaleel in the 1290th ; 
Jared in the 1422nd ; Lamech in the 1651st ; and 
Methuselah in the 1656th, it being the same year in 
which the flood came. 

42. So that Noah w^as 84 years old when Enos died, 
176 when Cainan died, 234 when Mahalaleel died, 366 
when Jared died, 595 when Lamech died, and 600 
when Methuselah died. 

43. We can see from this that Enos, Cainan, Maha- 
laleel, Jared, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah, all lived 
on the earth at the same time ; and that Enos, Cainan, 
Mahalaleel, Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech, were all 
acquainted with both Adam and Noah. 

44. From the foregoing it is easily to be seen, not 
only how the knowledge of God came into the world, 

j: but upon what principle it was preserved ; that from 

^ the time it was first communicated, it was retained in 

^ the minds of righteous men, who taught not only their 

.j. own posterity but the world ; so that there was no 

Y need of a new revelation to man, after Adam's crea- 
tion to Noah, to give them the first idea or notion of 

^ the existence of a God ; and not only of a God, but 

^ the true and living God. 

u 45. Having traced the chronology of the world 

( from Adam to Noah, we will now trace it from Noah 

\\ to Abraham. Noah was 502 years old when Shem was 

a born ; 98 years afterwards the flood came, being the 

e: , . - _ . 

*? * According to the Old Testament. For Enoch's age, 

Cl gee Covenants and Commandments, section 107. 49, 



LEO. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 1$ 

600th year of Noah's age. And Moses informs us 
that Noah lived after the flood 350 years, making him 
950 years old when he died. Genesis ix. 28, 29. 

46. Shem was 100 years old when Arphaxad was 
born. Genesis xi. 10. Arphaxad was 35 when Salah 
was born (xi. 12) ; Salah was 30 when Eber was born 
(xi. 14) ; Eber was 34 when Peleg was born, in whose 
days the earth was divided (xi. 16) ; Peleg was 30 
when Reu was born (xi. 18) ; Reu was 32 when Serug 
was born (xi. 20) ; Serug was 30 when Nahor was born 
(xi. 22) ; Nahor was 29 when Terah was born (xi. 24) ; 
Terah was 70 when Haran and Abraham were born 
(xi. 26). 

47. There is some difficulty in the account given by 
Moses of Abraham's birth. Some have supposed that 
Abraham was not born until Terah was 130 years old. 
This conclusion is drawn from a variety of scriptures, 
which are not to our purpose at present to quote. 
Neither is it a matter of any consequence to us whether 
Abraham was born when Terah was 70 years old, or 
130. But in order that there may no doubt exist upon 
any mind in relation to the object lying immediately 
before us, in presenting the present chronology we will 
date the birth of Abraham at the latest period, that is, 
when Terah was 130 years old. It appears from this 
account that from the flood to the birth of Abraham, 
was 352 years. 

48. Moses informs us that Shem lived after he begat 
Arphaxad, 500 years (xi. 11) ; this added to 100 years, 
which was his age when Arphaxad was born, makes him 
600 years old when he died. Arphaxad lived after he 
begat Salah, 403 years (xi. 13) ; this added to 35 years, 
which was his age when Salah was born, makes him 
438 years old when he died. Salah lived after he begat 
Eber, 403 years (xi. 15) ; this added to 30 years, which 
was his age when Eber was born, makes him 433 years 
old when he died. Eber lived after he begat Peleg, 
430 years (xi, 17) ; this added to 34 years, which was 



20 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. 

his age when Peleg was born, makes him 464 years old. 
Peleg lived after he begat Reu, 209 years (xi. 19) ; this 
added to 30 years, which was his age when Reu was 
born, makes him 239 years old when he died. lieu 
lived after he begat Serug 207 years (xi. 21) ; this 
added to 32 years, which was his age when Serug was 
born, makes him 239 years old when he died. Serug 
lived after he begat Nahor, 200 years (xi. 23) ; this 
added to 30 years, which was his age when Nahor was 
born, makes him 230 years old when he died. Nahor 
lived after he begat Terah, 119 years (xi. 25) ; this 
added to 29 years, which was his age w r hen Terah was 
born, makes him 148 years old when he died. Terah 
was 130 years old when Abraham was born, and is 
supposed to have lived 75 years after his birth, making 
him 205 years old when he died. 

49. Agreeable to this last account, Peleg died in 
the 1996th year of the world, Nahor in the 1997th, 
and Noah in the 2006th. So that Peleg, in whose days 
the earth was divided, and Nahor, the grandfather of 
Abraham, both died before Noah — the former being 
239 years old, and the latter 148 ; and who cannot but 
see that they must have had a long and intimate ac- 
quaintance with Noah ? 

50. Reu died in the 2026th year of the world, 
Serug in the 2049th, Terah in the 2083rd, Arphaxad 
in the 2096th, Salahin the 2126th, Shem in the 2158th, 
Abraham in the 2183rd, and Eber in the 2187th, which 
was four years after Abraham's death. And Eber was 
the fourth from Noah. 

51. Nahor, Abraham's brother, was 58 years old 
when Noah died, Terah 128, Serug 187, Reu 219, 
Eber 283, Salah 313, Arphaxad 344, and Shem 448. 

52. It appears from this account, that Nahor, 
brother of Abraham, Terah, Nahor, Serug, Reu, Peleg, 
Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, Shem, and Noah, all lived on 
the earth at the same time ; and that Abraham was 
18 years old when Reu died, 41 when Serug and his 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 21 

brother Nahor died, 75 when Terah died, 88 when 
Arphaxad died, 118 when Salah died, 150 when Shem 
died, and that Eber lived four years after Abraham's 
death. And that Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Reu, 
Serug, Terah, and Nahor, the brother of Abraham, 
and Abraham, lived at the same time. And that 
Nahor, brother of Abraham, Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, 
Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem, were all acquainted with 
both Noah and Abraham. 

53. We have now traced the chronology of the 
world agreeable to the account given in our present 
Bible, from Adam to Abraham, and hava clearly deter- 
mined, beyond the power of controversy, that there 
was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God 
in the world from the creation of Adam, and the mani- 
festation made to his immediate descendants, as set 
forth in the former part of this lecture ; so that the 
students in this class need not have any doubt resting 
on their minds on this subject, for they can easily see 
that it is impossible for it to be otherwise, but that the 
knowledge of the existence of a God must have con- 
tinued from father to son, as a matter of tradition at 
least ; for we cannot suppose that a knowledge of this 
important fact could have existed in the mind of any 
of the * before-mentioned individuals, without their 
having made it known to their posterity. 

54. We have now shown how it was that the first 
thought ever existed in the mind of any individual 
that there was such a Being as a God, who had created 
and did uphold all things : that it was by reason of the 
manifestation which he first made to our father Adam, 
when he stood in his presence, and conversed with him 
face to face, at the time of his creation. 

55. Let us here observe, that after any portion of 
the human family are made acquainted with the impor- 
tant fact that there is a God, who has created and does 
uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respect- 
ing his character and glory will depend upon their dili- 



22 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II. 

gence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until, like 
Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall 
obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold liim 
face to face. 

5S. We have now clearly set forth how it is, and 
how it w T as, that God became an object of faith for 
rational beings ; and also, upon what foundation the 
testimony was based which excited the inquiry and 
diligent search of the ancient saints to seek after and 
obtain a knowledge of the glory of God ; and we have 
seen that it was human testimony, and human testi- 
mony only, that excited this inquiry, in the first in- 
stance, in their minds. It was the credence they gave 
to the testimony of their fathers, this testimony having 
aroused their minds to inquire after the knowledge of 
God ; the inquiry frequently terminated, indeed always 
terminated when rightly pursued, in the most glorious 
discoveries and eternal certainty. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING 
PRINCIPLES. 

Is there a being who has faith in himself, indepen- 
dently ? There is. 

Who is it ? It is God. 

How do you prove that God has faith in himself 
independently ? Because he is omnipotent, omni- 
present, and omniscient ; without beginning of days or 
end of life, and in him all fullness dwells. Ephesians 
i. 23 : " Which is his body, the fullness of him that 
filleth all in all." Colossians i. 19 : " For it pleased 
the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell." 
Lecture ii. 2. 

Is he the object in whom the faith of all other 



6 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 23 

rational and accountable beings center, for life and sal- 
vation ? He is. 

Hew do you prove it ? Isaiah xlv. 22 : " Look 
unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth : 
for I am God, and there is none else." Romans xi. 34, 
35, 36 : i" For who hath known the mind of the Lord ; 
or who hath been his counselor ? or who hath first 
given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him 
again ? For of him, and through him, and to him, are 
all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen." Isaiah 
xl., from the 9th to the 18th verses : " Zion, that 
bringest good tidings ; (or, thou that tellest good 
tidings to Zion) get thee up into the high mountain ; 
Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings ; (or, thou 
that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem) lift up thy 
voice with strength ; lift it up, be not afraid ; say unto 
the cities of Judah, Behold your God ! Behold the 
Lord your God will come with strong hand (or, 
against the strong) ; and his arm shall rule for him ; 
behold, his reward is with him, and his work before 
him (or, recompense for his work). He shall feed his 
flock like a shepherd ; he shall gather his lambs with 
his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently 
lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the 
waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven 
with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth 
in a measure, weighed the mountains in scales, and the 
hills in a balance ? Who hath directed the Spirit of 
the Lord, or, being his counselor, hath taught him ? 
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him 
and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught 
him knowledge, and showed to him the way of under- 
standing? Behold, the nations are as a drop of 
a bucket and are counted as the small dust of the 
balance : behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little 
thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the 
beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All 
nations are before him as nothing, and they are counted 
to him less than nothing, and vanity." Jeremiah li. 



24 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IL 

15, 16 : "He (the Lord) hath made the earth by his 
power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, 
and hath stretched out the heaven by his understand- 
ing. When he uttereth his voice there is a multitude 
of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to 
ascend from the ends of the earth : he maketh light- 
nings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his 
treasures. 1 Corinthians viii. 6 : " But to us there is 
but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and 
we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are 
all things, and we by him/' Lecture ii. 2. 

How did men first come to the knowledge of the 
existence of a God, so as to exercise faith in him ? In 
order to answer this question, it will be necessary to go 
back and examine man at his creation ; the circum- 
stances in which he was placed, and the knowledge 
which he had of God. Lecture ii. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 
10, 11. First, when man was created he stood in the 
presence of God. Genesis i. 27, 28. From this we 
learn that man, at his creation, stood in the presence 
of his God, and had most perfect knowledge of his exist- 
ence. Secondly, God conversed with him after his 
transgression. Genesis iii. from the 8th to the 22nd. 
Lecture ii. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. From this we learn 
that, though man did transgress, he was not deprived 
of the previous knowledge which he had of the exist- 
ence of God. Lecture ii. 19. Thirdly, God conversed 
with man after he cast him out of the garden. Lec- 
ture ii. 22, 23, 24, 25. Fourthly, God also conversed 
with Cain after he had slain Abel. Genesis iv. from 
the 4th to the 6th. Lecture ii. 26, 27, 28, 29. 

What is the object of the foregoing quotation ? It 
is that it may be clearly seen how T it w T as that the first 
thoughts were suggested to the minds of men of the 
existence of God, and how extensively this knowledge 
was spread among the immediate descendants of Adam. 
Lecture ii. 30, 31, 32, 33. 

What testimony had the immediate descendants of 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 25 

Adam, in proof of the existence of God ? The testi- 
mony of their father. And after they were made 
acquainted with his existence, by the testimony of their 
father, they were dependent upon the exercise of their 
own faith, for a knowledge of his character, perfections, 
and attributes. Lecture ii. 23, 24, 25, 26. 

Had any other of the human family, besides Adam, 
a knowledge of the existence of God, in the first in- 
stance, by any other means than human testimony ? 
They had not. For previous to the time that they 
could have power to obtain a manifestation for them- 
selves, the all-important fact had been communicated 
to them by their common father ; and so from father 
to child the knowledge was communicated as extensively 
as the knowledge of his existence was known ; for it 
was by this means, in the first instance, that men had 
a knowledge of his existence. Lecture ii. 35, 36. 

How do you know that the knowledge of the 
existence of God was communicated in this manner, 
throughout the different ages of the world ? By the 
chronology obtained through the revelations of God. 

How would you divide that chronology in order to 
convey it to the understanding clearly ? Into two 
parts — First, by embracing that period of the world 
from Adam to Noah ; and secondly, from Noah to 
Abraham ; from which period the knowledge of the 
existence of God has been so general, that it is a 
matter of no dispute in what manner the idea of his 
existence has been retained in the world. 

How many noted righteous men lived from Adam to 
Noah ? Nine ; which includes Abel, who w r as slain by 
his brother. 

What are their names ? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, 
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, and Lamech. 

How old was Adam when Seth was born ? One 
hundred and thirty years. Genesis v. 3. 

How many years did Adam live after Seth was born ? 
Eight hundred. Genesis v. 4. 



26 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. II. 

How old was Adam when he died ? Nine hundred 
and thirty years. Genesis v. 5. 

How old was Seth when Enos was born ? One 
hundred and five years. Genesis v. 6. 

How old was Enos when Cainan was born ? Ninety 
years. Genesis v. 9. 

How old was Cainan when Mahalaleel was born ? 
Seventy years. Genesis v. 12. 

How old was Mahalaleel when Jared was born ? 
Sixty-five years. Genesis v. 15. 

How old was Jared when Enoch was born ? One 
hundred and sixty- two years. Genesis v. 18. 

How old was Enoch when Methuselah was born ? 
Sixty-five years. Genesis v. 21. 

How old was Methuselah when Lamech was born ? 
One hundred and eighty-seven years. Genesis v. 25. 

How old was Lamech when Noah was born ? One 
hundred and eighty-two years. Genesis v. 28. For 
this chronology, see lecture ii. 37. 

How many years, according to this account, was it 
from Adam to Noah? One thousand and fifty-six 
years. 

How old was Lamech when Adam died ? Lamech, 
the ninth from Adam (including Abel), and father of 
Noah, was fifty-six years old when Adam died. 

How old was Methuselah? Two hundred and forty- 
three years. 

How old was Enoch? Three hundred and eight 
years. 

How old was Jared ? Four hundred and seventy 
years. 

How old was Mahalaleel? Five hundred and 
thirty-five years. 

How old was Cainan ? Six hundred and five years. 

How old was Enos ? Six hundred and ninety-five 
years. 



LEO. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 27 

How old was Setli ? Eight hundred years. For 
this item of the account, see lecture ii. 38. 

How many of these noted men were cotemporary 
with Adam ? Nine. 

What are their names ? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, 
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah and Lamech. 
Lecture ii. 39. 

How long did Seth live after Enos was born ? Eight 
hundred and seven years. Genesis v. 7. 

What was Seth's age when he died ? Nine hundred 
and twelve years. Genesis v. 8. 

How long did Enos live after Cainan was born? 
Eight hundred and fifteen years. Genesis v. 10. 

What was Enos's age when he died ? Nine hun- 
dred and five years. Genesis v. 11. 

How long did Cainan live after Mahalaleel was 
born ? Eight hundred and forty years. Genesis v. 13. 

What was Cainan's age when he died ? Nine hun- 
dred and ten years. Genesis v. 14. 

How long did Mahalaleel live after Jared was born? 
Eight hundred and thirty years. Genesis v. 16. 

What was Mahalaleel's age when he died ? Eight 
hundred and ninety-five years. Genesis v. 17. 

How long did Jared live after Enoch was born? 
Eight hundred years. Genesis v. 19. 

What was Jared's age when he died ? Nine hun- 
dred and sixty-two years. Genesis v. 20. 

How long did Enoch walk with God after Methuse- 
lah was born ? Three hundred years. Genesis v. 22. 

What was Enoch's age when he was translated? 
Three hundred and sixty-five years. Genesis v. 23.* 

How long did Methuselah live after Lamech was 
born ? Seven hundred and eighty-two years. Genesis 
v. 26. 

* For Enoch's age, see Covenants and Commandments, 
Section 107. 49. 



28 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. 

"What was Methuselah's age when he died ? Nine 
hundred and sixty-nine years. Genesis v. 27. 

How long did Lamech live after Noah was born ? 
Five hundred and ninety-five years. Genesis v. 30. 

"What was Lamech's age w T hen he died? Seven 
hundred and seventy-seven years. Genesis v. 31. For 
the account of the last item see lecture ii. 40. 

In what year of the world did Adam die ? In the 
nine hundred and thirtieth. 

In what year was Enoch translated ? * In the nine 
hundred and eighty-seventh. 

In what year did Seth die ? In the one thousand 
and forty-second. 

In what year did Enos die ? In the eleven hundred 
and fortieth. 

In what year did Cainan die ? In the twelve hun- 
dred and thirty-fifth. 

In what year did Mahalaleel die ? In the twelve 
hundred and ninetieth. 

In what year did Jared die ? In the fourteen hun- 
dred and twenty-second. 

In what year did Lamech die ? In the sixteen 
hundred and fifty-first. 

In what year did Methuselah die ? In the sixteen 
hundred and fifty-sixth. For this account see lecture 
ii. 41. 

How old was Noah when Enos died? Eighty-four 
years. 

How old when Cainan died? One hundred and 
seventy-nine years. 

■ How old when Mahalaleel died ? Two hundred and 
thirty-four years. 

How old when Jared died ? Three hundred and 
sixty-six years. 

* For Enoch's age, see Covenants and Commandments, 
Section 107. 49. 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 29 

How old when Lamech died? Five hundred and 
ninety-five years. 

How old when Methuselah died? Six hundred 
years. See lecture ii. 42, for the last item. 

How many of those men lived in the days of Noah ? 
Six. 

What are their names ? Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, 
Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech. Lecture ii. 43. 

How many of those men were cotemporary with 
Adam and Noah both ? Six. 

What are their names ? Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, 
Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech. Lecture ii. 43. 

According to the foregoing account, how was the 
knowledge of the existence of God first suggested to 
the minds of men? By the manifestation made to 
our father Adam, when he was in the presence of God, 
both before and while he was in Eden. Lecture ii. 44. 

How was the knowledge of the existence of God 
disseminated among the inhabitants of the world ? By 
tradition from father to son. Lecture ii. 44. 

How old was Noah when Shem was born ? Five 
hundred and two years. Genesis v. 32. 

What was the term of years from the birth of Shem 
to the flood ? Ninety-eight. 

What was the term of years that Noah lived after 
the flood ? Three hundred and fifty. Genesis ix. 28. 

What was Noah's age when he died ? Nine hun- 
dred and fifty years. Genesis ix. 29. Lecture ii. 45. 

What was Shem's age when Arphaxad was born ? 
One hundred years. Genesis xi. 10. 

What was Arphaxad's age when Salah was born? 
Thirty-five years. Genesis xi. 12. 

What was Salah's age when Eber w r as born ? Thirty- 
years. Genesis xi. 16. 

What was Eber's age when Peleg was born ? Thirty- 
four years. Genesis xi. 14. 



30 LECTURES ON FAITH. [EEC. II. 

What was Peleg's age when Reu was born ? Thirty- 
years. Genesis xi. 18. 

What was Reus agje when Serug was born ? Thirty- 
two years. Genesis xi. 20. 

What was Serug's age when Nahor was born? 
Thirty years. Genesis xi. 22. 

What was Nahor's age when Terah was born? 
Twenty-nine years. Genesis xi. 24. 

What was Terah'sjage when Nahor (the father of 
Abraham) was born ? Seventy years. Genesis xi. 26. 

What was Terah's age when Abraham was born ? 
Some suppose one hundred and thirty years, and others 
seventy. Genesis xi. 26. Lecture ii. 46. 

What was the number of years from the flood to 
the birth of Abraham ? Supposing Abraham to have 
been born when Terah w T as one hundred and thirty 
years old, it was three hundred and fifty-two years : 
but if he was born when Terah was seventy years old, 
it was two hundred and ninety-two years. Lecture 
ii. 47. 

How long did Shem live after Arphaxad was born ? 
Five hundred years. Genesis xi. 11. 

What was Shem's age when he died ? Six hundred 
years. Genesis xi. 11. 

What number of years did Arphaxad live after 
Salah was born ? Four hundred and three years. 
Genesis xi. 13. 

What was Arphaxad's age w T hen he died ? Four 
hundred and thirty-eight years. 

What number of years did Salah live after Eber 
was born ? Four hundred and three years. 

What was Salah's age when he died ? Four hun- 
dred and thirty-three years. 

What number of years did Eber live after Peleg 
was born ? Four hundred and thirty years. Genesis 
xi. 17, 



LEC. II. J LECTURES ON FAITH. 31 

What was Eber's age when he died ? Four hundred 
and sixty-four years. 

What number of years did Peleg live after Reu was 
born ? Two hundred and nine years. Genesis xi. 19. 

What was Peleg's age when he died ? Two hun- 
dred and thirty-nine years. 

What number of years did Reu live after Serug 
was born? Two hundred and seven years. Genesis 
xi. 21. 

What was Reu's age when he died ? Two hundred 
and thirty-nine years. 

What number of years did Serug live after Nahor 
was born ? Two hundred years. Genesis xi. 23. 

What was Serug's age when he died ? Two hun- 
dred and thirty years. 

What number of years did Nahor live after Terah 
was born ? One hundred and nineteen years. Genesis 
xi. 25. 

What was Nahor's age when he died ? One hun- 
dred and forty-eight years. 

What number of years did Terah live after Abraham 
was born ? Supposing Terah to have been one hundred 
and thirty years old when Abraham was born, he lived 
seventy-five years ; but if Abraham was born when 
Terah was seventy years old, he lived one hundred and 
thirty-five. 

What was Terah's age when he died ? Two hun- 
dred and five years. Genesis xi. 32. For this account, 
from the birth of Arphaxad to the death of Terah, see 
lecture ii. 48. 

In what year of the world did Peleg die ? Agree- 
able to the foregoing chronology, he died in the nineteen 
hundred and ninety-sixth year of the world. 

In what year of the world did Nahor die ? In the 
nineteen hundred and ninety-seventh. 

In what year of the world did Noah die ? In the 
two thousand and sixth, 



82 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. II. 

In what year of the world did Reu die ? In the 
two thousand and twenty-sixth. 

In what year of the world did Serug die ? In the 
two thousand and forty-ninth. 

In what year of the world did Terah die ? In the 
two thousand and eighty-third. 

In what year of the world did Arphaxad die ? In 
the two thousand and ninety-sixth. 

In what year of the world did Salah die ? In the 
twenty-one hundred and twenty-sixth. 

In what year of the world did Abraham die ? In 
the twenty-one hundred and eighty-third. 

In what year of the world did Eber die ? In the 
twenty-one hundred and eighty-seventh. For this ac- 
count of the year of the world in which those men 
died, see lecture ii. 49, 50. 

How old was Nahor (Abraham's brother) when 
Noah died ? Fifty-eight years. 

How old was Terah? One hundred and twenty- 
eight. 

How old was Serug? One hundred and eighty- 
seven. 
; How old was Reu ? Two hundred and nineteen. 

How old was Eber? Two hundred and eighty- 
three. 
, How old was Salah ? Three hundred and thirteen. 

How old was Arphaxad ? Three hundred and forty- 
eight. 

How old was Shem? Four hundred and forty- 
eight. 

For the last account see lecture ii. 51. 

How old Was Abraham when Reu died ? Eighteen 
years, if he w r as born when Terah was one hundred and 
thirty years old. 

What was his age when Serug and Nahor (Abra- 
ham's brother) died ? Forty-one years. 



LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 33 






What was his age when Terah died ? Seventy-five 
years. 

What was his age when Arphaxad died ? Eighty- 
eight. 

What was his age when Salah died ? One hundred 
and eighteen years. 

What was his age when Shem died ? One hundred 
and fifty years. For this see lecture ii. 52. 

How many noted characters lived from Noah to 
Abraham ? Ten. 

What are their names? Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, 
Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and Nahor, 
(Abraham's brother). Lecture ii. 52. 

How many of these were cotemporary with Noah ? 
The whole. 

How many with Abraham ? Eight. 

What are their names ? Nahor (Abraham's brother), 
Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem. 
Lecture ii. 52. 

How many were cotemporary with both Noah and 
Abraham ? Eight. 

What are their names ? Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, 
Eber, Reu, Serug, Terah, and Nahor (Abraham's 
brother). Lecture ii. 52. 

Did any of these men die before Noah ? They did. 

Who were they ? Peleg, in whose days the earth 
was divided, and Nahor, (Abraham's grandfather). 
Lecture ii. 49. 

Did any one of them live longer than Abraham ? 
There was one. Lecture ii. 50. 

Who was he ? Eber, the fourth from Noah. Lec- 
ture ii. 50. 

In whose days was the earth divided ? In the days 
of Peleg. 

Where have we the account given that the earth 
was divided in the days of Peleg ? Genesis x. 25. 

D 



34 LECTURES ON FAITH. [EEC. II. 

Can you repeat the sentence? "Unto Eber were 
born two sons : the name of one was Peleg, for in his 
days the earth was divided." 

What testimony have men, in the first instance, 
that there is a God ? Human testimony, and human 
testimony only. Lecture ii. 56. 

What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently 
after a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections 
and attributes ? The credence they gave to the testi- 
mony of their fathers. Lecture ii. 56. • 

How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of 
God, his perfections and attributes ? By devoting 
themselves to his service, through prayer and supplica- 
tion incessantly strengthening their faith in him, until, 
like Enoch,, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they 
obtain a manifestation of God to themselves. Lecture 
ii. 55. 

Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter 
of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony 
alone, until persons receive a manifestation of God to 
themselves ? It is. 

How do you prove it ? From the whole of the first 
and second lectures. 



€\£ 






IEC. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 35 



LECTURE THIRD. 

1. In the second lecture it was shewn how it was 
that the knowledge of the existence of God came into 
the world, and by what means the first thoughts were 
suggested to the minds of men that such a Being did 
actually exist ; and that it was by reason of the know- 
ledge of his existence that there was a foundation laid 
for the exercise of faith in him, as the only Being in 
whom faith could center for life and salvation ; for 
faith could not center in a Being of whose existence we 
have no idea, because the idea of his existence in the 
first instance is essential to the exercise of faith in him. 
Romans x. 14 : "How then shall they call on him in 
whom they have not believed ? and how shall they be- 
lieve in him of whom they have not heard ? and how 
shall they hear without a preacher (or one sent to tell 
them) ? So, then, faith comes by hearing the word of 
God." (New Translation.) 

2. Let us here observe, that three things are neces- 
sary in order that any rational and intelligent being 
may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. 

3. First, the idea that he actually exists. 

4. Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfec- 
tions, and attributes. 

5. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of 
life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For 
without an acquaintance with these three important 
facts, the faith of every rational being must be imper- 
fect and unproductive ; but with this understanding it 
can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteous- 
ness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and 
the Lord Jesus Christ. 



36 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. in. 

6. Having previously been made acquainted with 
the way the idea of his existence came into the world, 
as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed to 
examine his character, perfections, and attributes, in 
order that this class may see, not only the just grounds 
which they have for the exercise of faith in him for life 
and salvation, but the reasons that all the world, also, 
as far as the idea of his existence extends, may have to 
exercise faith in him, the Father of all living. 

7. As we have been indebted to a revelation which 
God made of himself to his creatures, in the first in- 
stance, for the idea of his existence, so in like manner 
we are indebted to the revelations which he has given 
to us for a correct understanding of his character, per- 
fections, and attributes ; because, without the revela- 
tions which he has given to us, no man by searching 
could find out God. Job xi. 7, 8, 9. 1 Corinthians ii. 
9, 10, 11 : "But as it is written, eye hath not seen, 
nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of 
man, the things which God hath prepared for them 
that love him ; but God hath revealed them unto us 
by his Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, 
the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the 
things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in 
him ? Even so, the things of God knoweth no man 
but the Spirit of God." 

8. Having said so much we proceed to examine the 
character which the revelations have given of God. 

9. Moses gives us the following account in Exodus, 
xxxiv..6 : "And the Lord passed by before him, and 
proclaimed, ' The Lord God, the Lord God, merciful 
and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness 
and truth.' " Psalm ciii. 6, 7, 8 : " The Lord executeth 
righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 
He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the 
children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger and plenteous in mercy." Psalm ciii. 17, 
18 : " But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting 



LEC. m.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 37 

to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his right- 
eousness unto children's children, to such as keep his 
covenant, and to those that remember his command- 
ments to do them." Psalm xc. 2 : " Before the moun- 
tains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed 
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to 
everlasting, thou art God." Hebrews i. 10, 11, 12 : 
"And thou, Lord, in the beginning, hast laid the 
foundation of the earth ; and the heavens are the 
works of thine hands : they shall perish, but thou 
remainest ; and they all shall wax old as doth a gar- 
ment ; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and 
they shall be changed ; but thou art the same and thy 
years shall not fail." James i. 17 : "Every good gift 
and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down 
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variable- 
ness, neither shadow of turning." Malachi iii. 6 : 
" For I am the Lord, I change not ; therefore ye sons 
of Jacob are not consumed." 

10. Book of Commandments, Sec. 3, v. 2 : " For 
God does not walk in crooked paths, neither does he 
turn to the right hand or the left, or vary from that 
w^hich he has said, therefore his paths are straight, and 
his course is one eternal round." Book of Command- 
ments, Sec. 35, v. 1 : " Listen to the voice of the Lord 
your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and 
the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same 
yesterday, to-day, and forever." 

11. Numbers xxiii. 19 : " God is not a man that he 
should lie, neither the son of man that he should re- 
pent." 1 John iv. 8 : "He that loveth not, knoweth 
not God, for God is love." Acts x. 34, 35: "Then 
Peter opened his mouth and said, ' Of a truth I per- 
ceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every 
nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is 
accepted with him.' " 

12. From the foregoing testimonies we learn the 
following things respecting the character of God : 



38 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IH. 

13. First, that he was God before the world was 
created, and the same God that he was after it was 
created. 

14. Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, slow 
to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so 
from everlasting, and will be to everlasting. 

15. Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is there 
variableness with him ; but that he is the same from 
everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, 
to-day, and for ever ; and that his course is one eternal 
round, without variation. 

16. Fourthly, that he is a God of truth and can- 
not lie. 

17. Fifthly, that he is no respecter of persons : but 
in every nation he that fears God and works righteous- 
ness is accepted of him. 

18. Sixthly, that he is love. 

19. An acquaintance with these attributes in the 
divine character, is essentially necessary, in order that 
the faith of any rational being can center in him for 
life and salvation. For if he did not, in the first in- 
stance, believe him to be God, that is, the Creator and 
upholder of all things, he could not center his faith in 
him for life and salvation, for fear there should be 
greater than he who would thwart all his plans, and he, 
like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfill 
his promises ; but seeing he is God over all, from ever- 
lasting to everlasting, the Creator and upholder of all 
things, no such fear can exist in the minds of those who 
put their trust in him, so that in this respect their 
faith can be without wavering. 

20. But secondly ; unless he was merciful and gra- 
cious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness, 
such is the weakness of human nature, and so great the 
frailties and imperfections of men, that unless they 
believed that these excellencies existed in the divine 
character, the faith necessary to salvation could not 
exist ; for doubt would take the place of faith, and 



IEC. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 39 

those who know their weakness and liability to sin 
would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not 
for the idea which they have of the excellency of the 
character of God, that he is slow to anger and long- 
suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does 
forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of 
these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceed- 
ingly strong. 

21. But it is equally as necessary that men should 
have the idea that he is a God who changes not, in 
order to have faith in him, as it is to have the idea 
that he is gracious and long-suffering ; for without the 
idea of unchangeableness in the character of the Deity, 
doubt would take the place of faith. But with the 
idea that he changes not, faith lays hold upon the ex- 
cellencies in his character with unshaken confidence, 
believing he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, 
and that his course is one eternal round. 

22. And again, the idea that he is a God of truth 
and cannot lie, is equally as necessary to the exercise 
of faith in him as the idea of his unchangeableness. 
For without the idea that he was a God of truth and 
could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in 
his word in order to the exercise of faith in him could 
not exist. But having the idea that he is not man, 
that he cannot lie, it gives power to the minds of men to 
exercise faith in him. 

23. But it is also necessary that men should have 
an idea that he is no respecter of persons, for with the 
idea of all the other excellencies in his character, and 
this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him ; 
because if he were a respecter of persons, they could 
not tell what their privileges were, nor how far they 
were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether 
they were authorized to do it at all, but all must be 
confusion ; but no sooner are the minds of men made 
acquainted with the truth on this point, that he is no 
respecter of persons, than they see that they have 



40 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. m. 

authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the richest 
boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of persons, 
and that every man in every nation has an equal 
privilege. 

24. And lastly, but not less important to the exer- 
cise of faith in God, is the idea that he is love ; for 
with all the other excellencies in his character, without 
this one to influence them, they could not have such 
powerful dominion over the minds of men ; but when 
the idea is planted in the mind that he is love, who 
cannot see the just ground that men of every nation, 
kindred, and tongue, have to exercise faith in God so 
as to obtain eternal life ? 

25. From the above description of the character of 
the Deity, which is given him in the revelations to 
men, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of 
faith in him among every people, nation, and kindred, 
from age to age, and from generation to generation. 

26. Let us here observe that the foregoing is the 
character which is given of God in his revelations to 
the Former-day Saints, and it is also the character 
which is given of him in his revelations to the Latter-- 
day Saints, so that the saints of former days and those 
of latter days are both alike in this respect ; the 
Latter-day Saints having as good grounds to exercise 
faith in God as the Former-day Saints had, because 
the same character is given of him to both. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING 
PRINCIPLES. 

What was shown in the second lecture ? It was 
shown how the knowledge of the existence of God 
came into the world. Lecture iii. 1. 



LEG. in.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 41 

What is the effect of the idea of his existence 
among men ? It lays the foundation for the exercise 
of faith in him. Lecture iii. 1. 

Is the idea of his existence, in the first instance, 
necessary in order for the exercise of faith in him ? It 
is. Lecture iii. 1. 

How do you prove it ? By the tenth chapter of 
Romans and fourteenth verse. Lecture iii. 1. 

How many things are necessary for us to under- 
stand, respecting the Deity and our relation to him, in 
order that we may exercise faith in him for life and 
salvation ? Three. Lecture iii. 2. 

What are they? First, that God does actually 
exist ; secondly, correct ideas of his character, his per- 
fections and attributes ; and thirdly, that the course 
which we pursue is according to his mind and will. 
Lecture iii. 3, 4, 5. 

Would the idea of any one or two of the above- 
mentioned things enable a person to exercise faith in 
God ? It would not, for without the idea of them all 
faith would be imperfect and unproductive. Lecture 
iii. 5. 

Would an idea of these three things lay a sure 
foundation for the exercise of faith in God, so as to 
obtain life and salvation ? It would ; for by the idea 
of these three things, faith could become perfect and 
fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and 
glory of God. Lecture iii. 5. 

How are we to be made acquainted with the before- 
mentioned things respecting the Deity, and respecting 
ourselves ? By revelation. Lecture iii. 6. 

Could these things be found out by any other means 
than by revelation ? They could not. 

How do you prove it? By the scriptures. Job 
xi. 7, 8, 9. 1 Corinthians ii. 9, 10, 11. Lecture iii. 7. 

What things do we learn in the revelations of God 
respecting his character ? We learn the six following 



42 LECTURES ON FAITH [LEC. ITL 

things : First, that he was God before the world was 
created, and the same God that he was after it was 
created. Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was 
so from everlasting, and will be so to everlasting. 
Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is there 
variableness with him, and that his course is one 
eternal round. Fourthly, that he is a God of truth, 
and cannot lie. Fifthly, that he is no respecter of 
persons ; and sixthly, that he is love. Lecture iii. 12, 
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. 

Where do you find the revelations which give us 
this idea of the character of the Deity ? In the bible 
and book of commandments, and they are quoted in 
the third lecture. Lecture iii. 9, 10, 11. 

What effect would it have on any rational being 
not to have an idea that the Lord was God, the Creator 
and upholder of all things ? It would prevent him 
from exercising faith in him unto life and salvation. 

Why would it prevent him from exercising faith in 
God ? Because he would be as the heathen, not know- 
ing but there might be a being greater and more power- 
ful than he, and thereby he be prevented from fulfilling 
his promises. Lecture iii. 19. 

Does this idea prevent this doubt ? It does : for 
persons having this idea are enabled thereby to exercise 
faith without this doubt. Lecture iii. 19. 

Is it not also necessary to have the idea that God 
is merciful and gracious, long-suffering and full of 
goodness ? It is. Lecture iii. 20. 

Why is it necessary ? Because of the weakness and 
imperfections of human nature, and the great frailties 
of man ; for such is the weakness of man, and such his 
frailties, that he is liable to sin continually, and if God 
were not long-suffering, and full of compassion, gracious 
and merciful, and of a forgiving disposition, man would 
be cut off from before him, in consequence of which he 
would be in continual doubt and could not exercise 



LEC. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 43 

faith ; for where doubt is, there faith has no power ; 
but by man's believing that God is full of compassion 
and forgiveness, long-suffering and slow to anger, he 
can exercise faith in him and overcome doubt, so as to 
be exceedingly strong. Lecture iii. 20. 

Is it not equally as necessary that man should have 
an idea that God changes not, neither is there variable- 
ness with him, in order to exercise faith in him unto 
life and salvation ? It is ; because without this, he 
w^ould not know how soon the mercy of God might 
change into cruelty, his long-suffering into rashness, 
his love into hatred, and in consequence of which doubt 
man would be incapable of exercising faith in him, but 
having the idea that he is unchangeable, man can have 
faith in him continually, believing that what he was 
yesterday he is to-day, and will be forever. Lecture 
iii. 21. 

Is it not necessary also, for men to have an idea 
that God is a being of truth before they can have 
perfect faith in him ? It is ; for unless men have this 
idea they cannot place confidence in his word, and, not 
being able to place confidence in his word, they could 
not have faith in him ; but believing that he is a God 
of truth, and that his word cannot fail, their faith can 
rest in him without doubt. Lecture iii. 22. 

Could man exercise faith in God so as to obtain 
eternal life unless he believed that God was no respecter 
of persons ? He could not ; because without this idea 
he could not certainly know that it was his privilege 
so to do, and in consequence of this doubt his faith 
could not be sufficiently strong to save him. Lecture 
iii. 23. 

Would it be possible for a man to exercise faith in 
God, so as to be saved, unless he had an idea that God 
was love ? He could not ; because man could not love 
God unless he had an idea that God was love, and if 
he did not love God he could not have faith in him. 
Lecture iii. 24. 



44 LBCTUBE8 ox FAITH. [LEC. III. 

What is the description which the sacred writers 
give of the character of the Deity calculated to do ? 
It is calculated to lay a foundation for the exercise of 
faith in him, as far as the knowledge extends, among 
all people, tongues, languages, kindreds and nations, 
and that from age to age, and from generation to 
generation. Lecture iii. 25. 

Is the character which God has given of himself 
uniform ? It is, in all his revelations, whether to the 
Former-day Saints, or to the Latter-day Saints, so 
that they all have the authority to exercise faith in 
him, and to expect, by the exercise of their faith, to 
enjoy the same blessings. Lecture iii. 26. 



E^£i|g£^ 



LEG. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 45 



LECTURE FOURTH. 

1. Having shown, in the third lecture, that correct 
deas of the character y of God are necessary in order 
to the exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation ; 
and that without correct ideas of his character the 
minds of men could not have sufficient power with 
God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment 
of eternal life ; and that correct ideas of his character 
lay a foundation, as far as his character is concerned, 
for the exercise of faith, so as to enjoy the fullness of 
the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even that of 

ternal glory ; we shall now proceed to show the con- 
nection there is between correct ideas of the attributes 
of God, and the exercise of faith in him unto eternal life. 

2. Let us here observe, that the real design which 
the God of heaven had in view in making the human 
family acquainted with his attributes, was, that they, 
through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, 
might be enabled to exercise faith in him, and, through 
the exercise of faith in him, might obtain eternal life ; 
for without the idea of the existence of the attributes 
which belong to God the minds of men could not have 
power to exercise faith in him so as to lay hold upon 
ternal life. The God of heaven, understanding most 
perfectly the constitution of human nature, and the 

weakness of men, knew what was necessary to be re- 
vealed, and what ideas must be planted in their minds 
in order that they might be enabled to exercise faith 
n him unto eternal life. 

3. Having said so much, we shall proceed to ex- 
imine the attributes of God, as set forth in his revela- 
tions to the human family, and to show how necessary 



46 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IV. 

correct ideas of his attributes are to enable men to 
exercise faith in him ; for without these ideas being 
planted in the minds of men it would be out of the 
power of any person or persons to exercise faith in God 
so as to obtain eternal life. So that the divine com- 
munications made to men in the first instance were 
designed to establish in their minds the ideas necessary 
to enable them to exercise faith in God, and through 
this means to be partakers of his glory. 

4. We have, in the revelations which he has given 
to the human family, the following account of his 
attributes : 

5. First — Knowledge. Acts xv. 18 : " Known unto 
God are all his w r orks from the beginning of the world." 
Isaiah xlvi. 9, 10 : " Remember the former things of 
old : for I am God, and there is none else ; I am God, 
and there is none like me, declaring the end from the 
beginning, and from ancient time the things that are 
not yet done, saying 'My counsel shall stand, and I 
will do all my pleasure/" 

6. Secondly — Faith or power. Hebrews xi. 3 : 
" Through faith we understand that the worlds were 
framed by the word of God." Genesis i. 1 : " In the 
beginning God created the heaven and the earth." 
Isaiah xiv. 24, 27 : " The Lord of hosts hath sworn, 
saying, ' Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to 
pass : and as I have purposed so shall it stand. For 
the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall dis- 
annul it ? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall 
turn it back?'" 

7. Thirdly — Justice. Psalm lxxxix. 14 : " Justice 
and judgment are the habitation of thy throne." 
Isaiah xlv. 21 : " Tell ye, and bring them near ; yea, 
let them take counsel together : who hath declared this 
from the ancient time? have not I the Lord? and 
there is no God else beside me ; a just God and a 
Saviour." Zephaniah iii. 5 : " The just Lord is in the 
midst thereof," Zechariah i.x. 9 : "Rejoice greatly, 



LEC. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 47 

daughter of Zion ; shout, daughter of Jerusalem ; 
behold" thy King cometh unto thee : he is just and 
having salvation." 

8. Fourthly — Judgment. Psalm lxxxix. 14 : "Jus- 
tice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne.'' 
Deuteronomy xxxii. 4 : " He is the Rock, his work is 
perfect ; for all his ways are judgment : a God of 
truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." 
Psalm ix. 7 : " But the Lord shall endure for ever. 
He hath prepared his throne for judgment." Psalm 
ix. 16 : " The Lord is known by the judgment which 
he executeth." 

9. Fifthly — Mercy. Psalm lxxxix. 14 : " Mercy 
and truth shall go before his face." Exodus xxxiv. 6 : 
" And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, 
' The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious/ ,: 
Nehemiah ix. 17 : " But thou art a God ready to par- 
don, gracious and merciful." 

10. And sixthly — Truth. Psalm lxxxix. 14 : 
Mercy and truth shall go before thy face." Exodus 

xxxiv. 6 : " Long-suffering and abundant in goodness 
and truth." Deuteronomy xxxii. 4 : "He is the Rock, 
iis work is perfect ; for all his ways are judgment : a 
God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is 
he." Psalm xxxi. 5 : " Into Thine hand I commit my 
spirit : thou hast redeemed me, Lord God of Truth." 

11. By a little reflection it will be seen that the 
idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity is 
necessary to enable any rational being to exercise faith 
in him ; for without the idea of the existence of these 
attributes in the Deity men could not exercise faith 
in him for life and salvation ; seeing that without the 
knowledge of all things God would not be able to save 
any portion of his creatures ; for it is by reason of the 
knowledge which he has of all things, from the begin- 
ning to the end, that enables him to give that under- 
standing to his creatures by which they are made par- 
takers of eternal life ; and if it were not for the idea 



48 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. IV. 

existing in the minds of men that God had all know- 
ledge it would be impossible for them to exercise faith 
in him. 

12. And it is not less necessary that men should 
have the idea of the existence of the attribute power 
in the Deity ; for unless God had power over all things, 
and was able by his power to control all things, and 
thereby deliver his creatures who put their trust in 
him from the power of all beings that might seek their 
destruction, whether in heaven, on earth, or in hell, 
men could not be saved. But with the idea of the 
existence of this attribute planted in the mind, men 
feel as though they had nothing to fear who put their 
trust in God, believing that he has power to save all 
who come to him to the very uttermost. 

13. It is also necessary, in order to the exercise of 
faith in God unto life and salvation, that men should 
have the idea of the existence of the attribute justice 
in him ; for without the idea of the existence of the 
attribute justice in the Deity men could not have con- 
fidence sufficient to place themselves under his guidance 
and direction ; for they would be filled with fear and 
doubt lest the judge of all the earth would not do 
right, and thus fear or doubt, existing in the mind, 
would preclude the possibility of the exercise of faith 
in him for life and salvation. But when the idea of the 
existence of the attribute justice in the Deity is fairly 
planted in the mind, it leaves no room for doubt to get 
into the heart, and the mind is enabled to cast itself 
upon the Almighty without fear and without doubt, and 
with the most unshaken confidence, believing that the 
Judge of all the earth will do right. 

14. It is also of equal importance that men should 
have the idea of the existence of the attribute judg- 
ment in God, in order that they may exercise faith in 
him for life and salvation ; for without the idea of the 
existence of this attribute in the Deity, it would be 
impossible for men to exercise faith in him for life and 



LEC. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 49 

salvation, seeing that it is through the exercise of this 
attribute that the faithful in Christ Jesus are delivered 
out of the hands of those who seek their destruction ; 
for if God were not to come out in swift judgment 
against the workers of iniquity and the powers of 
darkness, his saints could not be saved ; for it is by 
judgment that the Lord delivers his saints out of the 
hands of all their enemies, and those who reject the 
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. But no sooner is the 
idea of the existence of this attribute planted in the 
minds of men, than it gives power to the mind for the 
exercise of faith and confidence in God, and they are 
enabled by faith to lay hold on the promises which are 
set before them, and wade through all the tribulations 
and afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of 
the persecution from those who know not God, and 
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, believing 
that in due time the Lord vail come out in swift judg- 
ment against" their enemies, and they shall be cut off 
from before him, and that in his own due time he will 
bear them off conquerors, and more than conquerors, 
in all things. 

15. And again, it is equally important that men 
should have the idea of the existence of the attribute 
mercy in the Deity, in order to exercise faith in him 
for life and salvation ; for without the idea of the 
existence of this attribute in the Deity, the spirits of 
the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, 
afflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure 
for righteousness' sake. But when the idea of the 
existence of this attribute is once established in the 
mind it gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints, 
believing that the mercy of God will be poured out 
upon them in the midst of their afflictions, and that 
he will compassionate them in their sufferings, and 
that the mercy of God will lay hold of them and 
secure them in the arms of his love, so that they will 
receive a full reward for all their sufferings. 

16. And lastly, but not less important to the ex* 



50 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. IV. 

ercise of faith in God, i.s the idea of the existence of 
the attribute truth in him ; for without the idea of 
the existence of this attribute the mind of man could 
have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty 
— all would be confusion and doubt. But with the 
idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity in 
the mind, all the teachings, instructions, promises, and 
blessings, become realities, and the mind is enabled to 
lay hold of them with certainty and confidence, be- 
lieving that these things, and all that the Lord has 
said, shall be fulfilled in their time ; and that all the 
cursings, denunciations, and judgments, pronounced 
upon the heads of the unrighteous, will also be exe- 
cuted in the due time of the Lord : and, by reason of 
the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds its 
deliverance and salvation as being certain. 

17. Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly 
upon the ideas of the existence of the before-mentioned 
attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that, as far 
as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure founda- 
tion laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and 
salvation. For inasmuch as God possesses the attribute 
knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints 
necessary for their salvation ; and as he possesses the 
attribute power, he is able thereby to deliver them 
from the power of all enemies ; and seeing, also, that 
justice is an attribute of the Deity, he will deal with 
them upon the principles of righteousness and equity, 
and a just reward will be granted unto them for all 
their afflictions and sufferings for the truth's sake. 
And as judgment is an attribute of the Deity also, his 
saints can have the most unshaken confidence that they 
will, in due time, obtain a perfect deliverance out of 
the hands of all their enemies, and a complete victory 
over all those who have sought their hurt and destruc- 
tion. And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity, 
his saints can have confidence that it will be exercised 
towards them, and through the exercise of that attri- 
bute towards them comfort and consolation will be 



LEC. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 51 

administered unto them abundantly, amid all their 
afflictions and tribulations. And, lastly, realizing that 
truth is an attribute of the Deity, the mind is led to 
rejoice amid all its trials and temptations, in hope of 
that glory which is to be brought at the revelation of 
Jesus Christ, and in view of that crown which is to be 
placed upon the heads of the saints in the day when 
the Lord shall distribute rewards unto them, and in 
prospect of that eternal weight of glory which the 
Lord has promised to bestow upon them, when he shall 
bring them in the midst of his throne to dwell in his 
presence eternally. 

18. In view, then, of the existence of these attri- 
butes, the faith of the saints can become exceedingly 
strong, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and 
glory of God, and can exert its mighty influence in 
searching after wisdom and understanding, until it 
has obtained a knowledge of all things that pertain to 
life and salvation. 

19. Such, then, is the foundation which is laid, 
through the revelation of the attributes of God, for the 
exercise of faith in him for life and salvation ; and see- 
ing that these are attributes of the Deity, they are 
unchangeable — being the same yesterday, to-day, and 
for ever — which gives to the minds of the Latter-day 
Saints the same power and authority to exercise faith 
in God which the Former-day Saints had ; so that all 
the saints, in this respect, have been, are, and will be, 
alike until the end of time ; for God never changes, 
therefore his attributes and character remain forever 
the same. And as it is through the revelation of these 
that a foundation is laid for the exercise of faith in 
God unto life and salvation, the foundation, therefore, 
for the exercise of faith was, is, and ever will be, the 
same ; so that all men have had, and will have, an 
equal privilege. 



52 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IV, 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING 
PRINCIPLES. 

What was shown in the third lecture? It was 
shown that correct ideas of the character of God are 
necessary in order to exercise faith in him unto life and 
salvation ; and that without correct ideas of his cha- 
racter, men could not have power to exercise faith in 
him unto life and salvation, but that correct ideas of 
his character, as far as his character was concerned in 
the exercise of faith in him, lay a sure foundation for 
the exercise of it. Lecture iv. 1. 

What object had the God of Heaven in revealing 
his attributes to men ? That through an acquaintance 
with his attributes they might be enabled to exercise 
faith in him so as to obtain eternal life. Lecture iv. 2. 

Could men exercise faith in God without an ac- 
quaintance with his attributes, so as to be enabled to 
lay hold of eternal life ? They could not. Lecture 
iv. 2, 3. 

What account is given of the attributes of God in 
his revelations ? First, Knowledge ; secondly, Faith or 
Power ; thirdly, Justice ; fourthly, Judgment ; fifthly, 
Mercy ; and sixthly, Truth. Lecture iv. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 
9 and 10. 

Where are the revelations to be found which give 
this relation oi the attributes ot God? In the Old 
and New Testaments, and they are quoted in the fourth 
lecture, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth 
paragraphs.* 

Is the idea of the existence of these attributes in 
the Deity necessary in order to enable any rational 
being to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation ? 
It is. 



* Let the student turn and commit these paragraphs 
to memory. 



LECTURES ON FAITH. 53 

xxow do you prove it ? By the eleventh, twelfth, 
thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth para- 
graphs in this lecture. *~ 

Does the idea of the existence of these attributes 
in the Deity, as far as his attributes are concerned, 
enable a rational being to exercise faith in him unto 
life and salvation ? It does. How do you prove it ? 
By the seventeenth and eighteenth paragraphs.* 

Have the Latter-day Saints as much authority given 
them, through the revelation of the attributes of God, 
to exercise faith in him as the Former-day Saints had ? 
They have. 

How do you prove it ? By the nineteenth para- 
graph of this lecture.* 

* Let the student, turn and commit these paragraphs 
to memory. 



54 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V a 



LECTURE FIFTH. 

1. In our former lectures Ave treated of the being, 
character, perfections, and attributes, of God. What 
we mean by perfections is, the perfections which belong 
to all the attributes of his nature. We shall, in this 
lecture, speak of the Godhead — we mean the Father, 
Son, and Holy Spirit. 

2. There are two personages who constitute the 
great, matchless, governing, and supreme, power over 
all things, by whom all things were created and made, 
that are created and made, whether visible or invisible, 
whether in heaven, on earth, or in the earth, under the 
earth, or throughout the immensity of space. They 
are the Father and the Son — the Father being a per- 
sonage of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfec- 
tion and fullness, the Son, who was in the bosom of the 
Father, a personage of tabernacle, made or fashioned 
like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of 
man, or rather man was formed after his likeness and 
in his image ; he is also the express image and likeness 
of the personage of the Father, possessing all the full- 
ness of the Father, or the same fullness with the 
Father ; being begotten of him, and ordained from 
before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation 
for the sins of all those who should believe on his 
name, and is called the Son because of the flesh, and 
descended in suffering below that which man can 
suffer ; or, in other words, suffered greater sufferings, 
and was exposed to more powerful contradictions than 
any man can be. But, notwithstanding all this, he 
kept the law of God, and remained without sin, show- 
ing thereby that it is in the power of man to keep the 



LEC. V.J LECTURES ON FAITH. 55 

law and remain also without sin ; and also, that by 
him a righteous judgment might come upon all flesh, 
and that all who walk not in the law of God may 
justly be condemned by the law, and have no excuse 
for their sins. And he being the Only Begotten of the 
Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, 
received a fullness of the glory of the Father, possess- 
ing the same mind with the Father, w r hich mind is the 
Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the 
Son, and these three are one ; or, in other words, these 
three constitute the great, matchless, governing and 
supreme, power over all things ; by whom all things 
were created and made that were created and made, and 
these three constitute the Godhead, and are one ; the 
Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same 
wisdom, glory, power, and fullness — filling all in all ; the 
Son being filled with the fullness of the mind, glory, and 
power ; or, in other words, the spirit, glory, and power, 
of the Father, possessing all knowledge and glory, and 
the same kingdom, sitting at the right hand of power, 
in the express image and likeness of the Father, medi- 
ator for man, being filled with the fullness of the mind 
of the Father ; or, in other words, the Spirit of the 
Father, which Spirit is shed forth upon all who believe 
on his name and keep his commandments ; and all 
those who keep his commandments shall grow up from 
grace to grace, and become heirs of the heavenly 
kingdom, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ ; possessing 
the same mind, being transformed into the same image 
or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all 
in all ; being filled with the fullness of his glory, and 
become one in him, even as the Father, Son and Holy 
Spirit are one. 

3. From the foregoing account of the Godhead, 
which is given in his revelations, the saints have a sure 
foundation laid for the exercise of faith unto life and 
salvation, through the atonement and mediation of 
Jesus Christ ; by whose blood they have a forgiveness 
of sins, and also a sure reward laid up for them in 



56 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. V. 

heaven, even that of partaking of the fullness of the 
Father and the Son through the Spirit. As the Son 
partakes of the fullness of the Father through the 
Spirit, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to be par- 
takers of the same fullness, to enjoy the same glory ; 
for as the Father and the Son are one, so, in like 
manner, the saints are to be one in them. Through 
the love of the Father, the mediation of Jesus Christ, 
and the gift of the Holy Spirit, they are to be heirs 
of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING 
PRINCIPLES. 

Of what do the foregoing lectures treat ? Of the 
being, perfections, and attributes of the Deity. Lec- 
ture v. 1. 

What are we to understand by the perfections of 
the Deity ? The perfections which belong to his 
attributes. 

How many personages are there in the Godhead ? 
Two : the Father and Son. Lecture v. 1. 

How do you prove that there are two personages in 
the Godhead ? By the Scriptures. Genesis i. 26. 
Also lecture ii. 6 : " And the Lord God said unto the 
Only Begotten, who was with him from the beginning, 
' Let us make man in our image, after our likeness ' — 
and it was done/' Genesis iii. 22 : " And the Lord 
God said unto the Only Begotten, ' Behold, the man is 
become as one of us : to know good and evil/ ' John 
xvii. 5 : " And now, Father, glorify thou me with 
thine own self with the glory which I had with thee 
before the world was." Lecture v. 2. 

What is the Father ? He is a personage of glory 
and of power. Lecture v. 2. 



LEO. V.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 57 

How do you prove that the Father is a personage 
of glory and of power? Isaiah lx. 19: "The sun 
shall be no more thy light by day, neither for bright- 
ness shall the moon give light unto thee ; but the Lord 
shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God 
thy glory.'' 1 Chronicles xxix. 11 : " Thine, Lord, 
is the greatness, and the power, and the glory.'' Psalm 
xxix. 3 : " The voice of the Lord is upon the waters : 
the God of glory thunders." Psalm lxxix. 9 : "Help 
us, God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name." 
Romans i. 23 : " And changed the glory of the incor- 
ruptible God into an image made like to corruptible 
man." Secondly, of power. 1 Chronicles xxix. 11 : 
" Thine, Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and 
the glory." Jeremiah xxxii. 17 : "Ah! Lord God, 
behold thou hast made the earth and the heavens by 
thy great power, and stretched-out arm ; and there is 
nothing too hard for thee." Deuteronomy iv. 37 : 
" And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose 
their seed after them, and brought them out in his 
sight with his mighty power." 2 Samuel xxii. 33 : 
"God is my strength and power." Job xxvi., com- 
mencing with the 7th verse to the end of the chapter : 
" He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, 
and hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth up 
the waters in his thick clouds ; and the cloud is not 
rent under them. He holdeth back the face of his 
throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it. He hath 
compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and 
night come to an end. The pillars of heaven tremble, 
and are astonished at his reproof. He divideth the 
sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth 
through the proud. By his Spirit he hath garnished 
the heavens ; his hand hath formed the crooked ser- 
pent. Lo, these are parts of his ways ! but how little 
a portion is heard of him ? But the thunder of his 
power who can understand ? " 

"What is the Son ? First, he is a personage of 
tabernacle. Lecture v. 2. 



58 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V„ 

How do you prove it ? John xiv. 9, 10, 11 : "Je 
saith unto him, ' Have I been so long time with yon, 
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip ? He that 
hath seen me hath seen the Father ; and how sayest 
thou then, Show us the Father ? Believest thou not 
that I am in the Father, and the Father in me ? The 
words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself : 
but the Father that dwelleth in me he doeth the works. 
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in 
me/ ''' Secondly, — and being a personage of tabernacle, 
was made or fashioned like unto man, or being in the 
form and likeness of man. Lecture v. 2. Philippians 
ii. 2-8 : " Let this mind be in you, which was also in 
Christ Jesus ; who, being in the form of God, thought 
it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself 
of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a 
servant, and was made in the likeness of man, and 
being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, 
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the 
cross." Hebrews ii. 14, 16 : " Forasmuch then as the 
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also him- 
self likewise took part of the same. For verily he 
took not on him the nature of angels : but he took on 
him the seed of Abraham." Thirdly, he is also in the 
likeness of the personage of the Father. Lecture v. 2. 
Hebrews i. 1, 2, 3 : " God, who at sundry times and in 
divers manners, spake in times past to the fathers, by 
the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by 
his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by 
Avhom also he made the worlds ; who being the bright- 
ness of his glory, and the express image of his person." 
Again, Philippians ii. 5, 6 : "Let this mind be in you, 
which was also in Christ Jesus ; who, being in the 
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with 
God." 

Was it by the Father and the Son that all things 
were created and made that were created and made ? 
It was. Colossians i. 15, 16, 17: "Who is the image 
of the invisible God ; the first born of every creature : 



LEO. V.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 59 

for by him wore all things created that are in heaven 
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether 
they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers ; 
all things were created by him and for him ; and he is 
before all things, and by him all things consist." Gene- 
sis i. 1 : " In the beginning God created the heavens 
and the earth." Hebrews i. 2 : (God) " Hath in these 
last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath 
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the 
worlds." 

Does he possess the fullness of the Father? He 
does. Colossians i. 19, ii. 9 : " For it pleased the 
Father that in him should all fullness dwell." " For 
in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." 
Ephesians i. 23: "Which is his (Christ's) body, the 
fullness of him that fills all in all." 

Why was he called the Son ? Because of the flesh. 
Luke i. 33 : " That holy thing which shall be born of 
thee, shall be called the Son of God." Matthew iii. 
16, 17 : "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up 
straightway out of the water, and lo, the heavens were 
opened unto him, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God 
descending like a dove and lighting upon him : and lo, 
a voice from heaven saying, ' This is my beloved Son, 
in whom I am well pleased/" 

Was he ordained of the Father, from before the 
foundation of the world, to be a propitiation for the 
sins of all those who should believe on his name ? He 
was. 1 Peter i. 18, 19, 20 : " Forasmuch as ye know 
that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as 
silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received 
by tradition from your fathers : but with the precious 
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and 
without spot ; who verily was foreordained before the 
foundation of the world, but was manifested in these 
last times for you." Revelations xiii. 8 : " And all 
that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the 
beast), whose names are not written in the book of life 



60 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V. 

of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." 
1 Corinthians ii. 7 : " But we speak the wisdom of 
God in a mystery, even the hidden mystery, which God 
ordained before the world, unto our glory." 

Do the Father and the Son possess the same mind ? 
They do. John v. 30 : "I (Christ) can of my own 
self do nothing : as I hear, I judge, and my judgment 
is just ; because I seek not my own will, but the will 
of the Father who sent me." John vi. 38 : " For I 
(Christ) came down from heaven, not to do my own 
will, .but the will of him that sent me." John x. 30 : 
" I (Christ) and my Father are one." 

What is this mind ? The Holy Spirit. John xv. 
26 : "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will 
send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of 
truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify 
of me (Christ)." Galatians iv. 6 : "And because ye 
are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into 
your hearts." 

Do the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit constitute the 
Godhead? They do. Lecture v. 2.* 

Do the believers in Christ Jesus, through the gift of 
the Spirit, become one with the Father and the Son, 
as the Father and the Son are one ? They do. John 
xvii. 20, 21 : " Neither pray I for these (the apostles) 
alone, but for them also who shall believe on me 
through their word ; that they all may be one ; as 
thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also 
may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou 
hast sent me." 

Does the foregoing account of the Godhead lay a 
sure foundation for the exercise of faith in him unto 
life and salvation ? It does. 

How do you prove it ? By the third paragraph of 
this lecture.* 

* Let the student commit these paragraphs to memory. 



LEO. VI. J LECTURES ON FAITH. 61 



LECTURE SIXTH. 

1. Having treated in the preceding lectures of the 
ideas, of the character, perfections, and attributes of God, 
we next proceed to treat of the knowledge which persons 
must have, that the course of life which they pursue is 
according to the will of God, in order that they may be 
enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation. 

2. This knowledge supplies an important place in 
revealed religion ; for it was by reason of it that the 
ancients were enabled to endure as seeing him who is 
invisible. An actual knowledge to any person, that 
the course of life which he pursues is according to the 
will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to 
have that confidence in God without which no person 
can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the 
ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and perse- 
cutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, 
knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more 
enduring substance. Hebrews x. 34. 

3. Having the assurance that they were pursuing a 
course which was agreeable to the will of God, they 
were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of their 
goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully, 
but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms ; know- 
ing (not merely believing) that when this earthly 
house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a 
building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal 
in the heavens. 2 Corinthians v. 1. 

4. Such was, and always will be, the situation of 
the saints of God, that unless they have an actual 
knowledge that the course they are pursuing is accord- 
ing to the will of God they will grow weary in their 
minds, and faint ; for such has been, and always will 



£ 



62 IECTURES ON FAITII. [LEC. VI. 

be, the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and 
those that know not God against the pure and unadul- 
terated religion of heaven (the only thing which insures 
eternal life), that they will persecute to the uttermost 
all that worship God according to his revelations, re- 
ceive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves 
to be guided and directed by his will ; and drive them 
to such extremities that nothing short of an actual 
knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and 
of their having embraced that order of things which 
God has established for the redemption of man, will 
enable them to exercise that confidence in him, neces- 
sary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that 
crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God. 

5. For a man to lay down his all, his character and 
reputation, his honor, and applause, his good name 
among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and 
sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life 
also — counting all things but filth and dross for the 
excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ — requires 
more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing 
the will of God ; but actual knowledge, realizing that, 
when these sufferings are ended, he will enter into 
eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God. 

6. For unless a person does know that he is walk- 
ing according to the will of God, it would be offering 
an insult to the dignity of the Creator were he to say 
that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should 
be done with the things of this life. But when he 
has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he 
is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally 
strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God. 

7. Let us here observe, that a religion that does 
not require the sacrifice of all things never has power 
Sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and 
salvation ; for, from the first existence of man, the 
faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salva- 
tion never could be obtained -without the sacrifice of 
all earthly things, It was through this sacrifice, and 



e 



•sinvmaoo (isv oraiooa 



EC. VI.] LECTURES ON FAITH. G3 

this only, that God has ordained that men should en- 
joy eternal life ; and it is through the medium of the 
sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually 
know that they are doing the things that are well 
pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered 
in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even 
withholding his life, and believing before God that he 
has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks 
to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God 
does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that 
he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under 
these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith 
necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. 

8. It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves 
that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, 
who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means 
obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to 
obtain eternal life, unless they, in like manner, offer 
unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering 
obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him. 

9. It was in offering sacrifices that Abel, the first 
martyr, obtained knowledge that he was accepted of 
God. And from the days of righteous Abel to the 
present time, the knowledge that men have that they 
are accepted in the sight of God is obtained by offering 
sacrifice. And in the last days, before the Lord comes, 
he is to gather together his saints who have made a 
covenant with him by sacrifice. Psalm 1. 3, 4, 5 : "Our 
God shall come, and shall not keep silence : a fire shall 
devour before .him, and it shall be very tempestuous 
round about him. He shall call to the heavens from 
above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. 
Gather my saints together unto me ; those that have 
made a covenant with me by sacrifice." 

10. Those, then, who make the sacrifice, will have the 
testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of 
God ; and those who have this testimony will have faith 
to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled, through 
faith, to endure unto the end, and receive the crown 



64 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VI. 

that is laid up for them that love the appearing of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. But those who do not make the 
sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith, because men are depen- 
dent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith : 
therefore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, be- 
cause the revelations of God do not guarantee unto 
them the authority so to do, and without this guarantee 
faith could not exist. 

11. All the saints of whom we have account, in all 
the revelations of God which are extant, obtained the 
knowledge which they had of their acceptance in his 
sight through the sacrifice which they offered unto him ; 
and through the knowledge thus obtained their faith 
became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise 
of eternal life, and to endure as seeing him who is 
invisible ; and were enabled, through faith, to combat 
the powers of darkness, contend against the wiles of 
the adversary, overcome the world, and obtain the end 
of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. 

12. But those who have not made this sacrifice to 
God do not know that the course which they pursue is 
well pleasing in his sight ; for whatever may be their 
belief or their opinion, it is a matter of doubt and 
uncertainty in their mind ; and where doubt and uncer- 
tainty are there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt 
and faith do not exist in the same person at the same 
time ; so that persons whose minds are under doubts and 
fears cannot have unshaken confidence ; and where un- 
shaken confidence is not there faith is weak ; and where 
faith is weak the persons will not be able to contend 
against all the opposition, tribulations, and afflictions 
which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs 
of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus ; and they 
will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will 
have power over them and destroy them. 

' i 

This Lecture is so plain, and the facts set forth so self- 
evident that it is deemed unnecessary to form a catechism 
upon it : the student is, therefore, instructed to commit 
the whole to memory. 



LLC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. C5 



LECTURE SEVENTH. 

1. In the preceding lessons we treated of what faith 
was, and of the object on which it rested. Agreeable 
to our plan, we now proceed to speak of its effects. 

2. As we have seen in our former lectures that faith 
was the principle of action and of power in all intelli- 
gent beings, both in heaven and on earth, it will not 
be expected that we shall, in a lecture of this descrip- 
tion, attempt to unfold all its effects ; neither is it 
necessary to our purpose so to do, for it would embrace 
all things in heaven and on earth, and encompass all 
the creations of God, with all their endless varieties ; 
for no world has yet been framed that was not framed 
by faith, neither has there been an intelligent being on 
any of God's creations who did not get there by reason 
of faith as it existed in himself or in some other 
being ; nor has there been a change or a revolution in 
any of the creations of God, but it has been effected 
by faith ; neither will there be a change or a revolu- 
tion, unless it is effected in the same way, in any of 
the vast creations of the Almighty, for it is by faith 
that the Deity works. 

3. Let us here offer some explanation in relation to 
faith, that our meaning may be clearly comprehended. 
We ask, then, what are we to understand by a man s 
working by faith ? We answer — we understand that 
when a man works by faith he works by mental exer- 
tion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead 
of exerting his physical powers, with which every being 
works when he works by faith. God said, " Let there 
be light, and there was light." Joshua spake, and the 
great lights which God had created stood still. Elijah 

F 



G6 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. VII. 

commanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space 
of three years and six months, so that it did not rain : 
he again commanded and the heavens gave forth rain. 
All this was done by faith. And the Saviour says : 
" If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to 
this mountain, ' Remove/ and it will remove ; or say 
to that sycamine tree, * Be ye plucked up, and planted 
in the midst of the sea,' and it shall obey you." Faith, 
then, works by words ; and with these its mightiest 
works have been, and will be, performed. 

4. It surely will not be required of us to prove that 
this is the principle upon which all eternity has acted 
and will act ; for every reflecting mind must know 
that it is by reason of this power that all the hosts of 
heaven perform their works of wonder, majesty, and 
glory. Angels move from place to place by virtue of 
this power ; it is by reason of it that they are enabled 
to descend from heaven to earth ; and were it not for 
the power of faith they never could be ministering 
spirits to them who should be heirs of salvation, neither 
could they act as heavenly messengers, for they would 
be destitute of the pow T er necessary to enable them to 
do the will of God. 

5. It is only necessary for us to say that the whole 
visible creation, as it now exists, is the effect of faith. 
It was faith by which it was framed, and it is by the 
power of faith that it continues in its organized form, 
and by which the planets move round their orbits and 
sparkle forth their glory. So, then, faith is truly the 
first principle in the science of theology, and, when 
understood, leads the mind back to the beginning, and 
carries it forward to the end ; or, in other words, from 
eternity to eternity. 

6. As faith, then, is the principle by which the 
heavenly hosts perforin their works, and by which they 
enjoy all their felicity, we might expect to find it set 
forth in a revelation from God as the principle upon 
which his creatures here below must act iu 'order to 



LEC. VIL ] LECTURES ON FAITH. 67 

obtain the felicities enjoyed by the saints in the eternal 
world ; and that, when God would undertake to raise 
up men for the enjoyment of himself, he would teach 
them the necessity of living by faith, and the impossi- 
bility there was of their enjoying the blessedness of 
eternity without it, seeing that all the blessings of 
eternity are the effects of faith. 

7. Therefore it is said, and appropriately too, that 
" Without faith it is impossible to please God/' If it 
should be asked — Why is it impossible to please God 
without faith ? The answer would be — Because with- 
out faith it is impossible for men to be saved ; and as 
God desires the salvation of men, he must, of course, 
desire that they should have faith ; and he could not 
be pleased unless they had, or else he could be pleased 
with their destruction. 

8. From this we learn that the many exhortations 
which have been given by inspired men, to those who 
had received the word of the Lord to have faith in him, 
were not mere common-place matters, but were for the 
best of all reasons, and that was — because without it 
there was no salvation, neither in this world nor in that 
which is to come. When men begin to live by faith 
they begin to draw near to God ; and when faith is per- 
fected they are like him ; and because he is saved they 
are saved also ; for they will be in the same situation 
he is in, because they have come to him ; and when he 
appears they shall be like him, for they will see him as 
he is. 

9. As all the visible creation is an effect of faith, so 
is salvation also — we mean salvation in its most exten- 
sive latitude of interpretation, whether it is temporal 
or spiritual. In order to have this subject clearly set 
before the mind, let us ask what situation must a per- 
son be in in order to be saved ? or what is the difference 
between a saved man and one who is not saved ? We 
answer, from what we have before seen of the heavenly 
worlds, they must bo persons who can work by faith 



68 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. VII. 

and who are able, by faith, to be ministering spirits to 
them who shall be heirs of salvation ; and they must 
have faith to enable them to act in the presence of the 
Lord, otherwise they cannot be saved. And what con- 
stitutes the real difference between a saved person and 
one not saved is — the difference in the degree of their 
faith — one's faith has become perfect enough to lay 
hold upon eternal life, and the other's has not. But to 
be a little more particular, let us ask — Where shall we 
find a prototype into whose likeness we may be assimi- 
lated, in order that we may be made partakers of life 
and salvation ? or, in other words, where shall we find 
a saved being ? for if we can find a saved being, we 
may ascertain without much difficulty what all others 
must be in order to be saved. We think that it will 
not be a matter of dispute, that two beings who are 
unlike each other cannot both be saved; for whatever 
constitutes the salvation of one will constitute the salva- 
tion of every creature which will be saved ; and if we 
find one saved being in all existence, we may see what 
all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, 
where is the prototype ? or w T here is the saved being ? 
We conclude, as to the answer of this question, there 
will be no dispute among those who believe the bible, 
that it is Christ : all will agree in this, that he is the 
prototype or standard of salvation ; or, in other words, 
that he is a saved being. And if we should continue 
our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved ? 
the answer would be — because he is a just and holy 
being ; and if he were anything different from what he 
is he would not be saved ; for his salvation depends on 
his being precisely what he is and nothing else ; for if 
it were possible for him to change, in the least degree, 
so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his do- 
minion, power, authority and glory, which constitute 
salvation ; for salvation consists in the glory, authority, 
majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses 
and in nothing else ; and no being can possess^ it but 
himself or one like him. Thus says John, in his first 



LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. G9 

epistle, third chapter; second and third verses : " Be- 
loved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet 
appear what we shall be ; but we know that, when he 
shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him 
as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, 
purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Why purify 
themselves as he is pure ? Because if they do not they 
cannot be like him. 

10. The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus xix. 2 : 
" Speak unto all the congregation of the children of 
Israel, and say unto them, ' Ye shall be holy : for I the 
Lord your God am holy.' ?; And Peter says, first epis- 
tle, i. 15, 16 : "But as he which hath called you is 
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ; be- 
cause it is written, ' Be ye holy ; for I am holy/ " And 
the Saviour says, Matthew v. 48 : " Be ye therefore 
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is per- 
fect/ ' If any should ask, why all these sayings ? the 
answer is to be found from what is before quoted from 
John's epistle, that when he (the Lord) shall appear, 
the saints will be like him ; and if they are not holy, 
as he is holy, and perfect, as he is perfect, they cannot 
be like him ; for no being can enjoy his glory without 
possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than 
they could reign in his kingdom without his power. 

11. This clearly sets forth the propriety of the 
Saviour's saying, recorded in John's testimony, xiv. 12 : 
" Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that belie veth on 
me, the works that I do shall he do also ; and greater 
works than these shall he do, because I go unto my 
Father." This taken in connection with some of the 
sayings in the Saviour's prayer, recorded in the seven- 
teenth chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions. 
He says in the 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24th verses : " Neither 
pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall be- 
lieve on me through their words ; that they all may be 
one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that 
they also may be one in us ; that the world may believe 
that thou hast sent me. And the glory w T hich thou 



70 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VIL 

gavest me I have given them ; that they may be one, 
even as we are one : I in them, and thou in me, that 
they may be made perfect in one ; and that the world 
may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, 
as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also 
whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; 
that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given 
me : for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the 
world." 

12. All these sayings put together give as clear an 
account of the state of the glorified saints as language 
could give — the works that Jesus had done they were 
to do, and greater works than those which he had done 
among them should they do, and that because he went 
to the Father. He does not say that they should do 
these works in time ; but they should do greater works, 
because he went to the Father. He says in the 24th 
verse : " Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast 
given me, be with me where I am ; that they may be- 
hold my glory." These sayings, taken in connection, 
make it very plain that the greater works which those 
that believed on his name were to do were to be done 
in eternity, where he was going and where they should 
behold his glory. He had said, in another part of his 
prayer, that he desired of his Father that those who 
believed on him should be one in him, as he and the 
Father were one in each other. " Neither pray I for 
these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall 
believe on me through their words, that the}' all may 
be one ; " that is, they who believe on him through the 
apostles' words, as well as the apostles themselves, 
" that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me 
and I in thee ; that they also may be one in us." 

13. What language can be plainer than this ? The 
Saviour surely intended to be understood by his disci- 
ples, and he so spake that they might understand him ; 
for he declares to his Father, in language not to be 
easily mistaken, that he wanted his disciples, even all 
of them, to be as himself and the Father, for as he 



LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 71 

and the Father were one so they might be one with 
them. And what is said in the 22nd verse is calculated 
to more firmly establish this belief, if it needs anything 
to establish it. He says : " And the glory which thou 
gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, 
even as we are one." As much as to say that unless 
they have the glory which the Father had given him 
they could not be one with them ; for he says he had 
given them the glory that the Father had given him 
that they might be one ; or ; in other words, to make 
them one. 

14. This fills up the measure of information on this 
subject, and shows most clearly that the Saviour wished 
his disciples to understand that they were to be par- 
takers with him in all things, not even his glory 'ex- 
cepted. 

15. It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we 
have previously noticed, that the glory which the 
Father and the Son have is because they are just and 
holy beings ; and that if they were lacking in one 
attribute or perfection which they have, the glory 
which they have never could be enjoyed by them, for 
it requires them to be precisely what they are in order 
to enjoy it ; and if the Saviour gives this glory to any 
others, he must do it in the very way set forth in his 
prayer to his Father — by making them one with him as 
he and the Father are one. In so doing he would give 
them the glory which the Father has given him ; and 
when his disciples are made one with the Father and 
Son, as the Father and the Son are one, who cannot see 
the propriety of the Saviour's saying — "The works 
which I do, shall they do ; and greater works than 
these shall they do, because I go to my Father." 

16. These teachings of the Saviour most clearly 
show unto us the nature of salvation, and what he pro- 
posed unto the human family when he proposed to save 
them — that he proposed to make them like unto him- 
self, and he was like the Father, the great prototype of 



72 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VII. 

all i tried beings ; and for any portion of the human 
family to be assimilated into their likeness is to be 
saved ; and to be unlike them is to be destroyed ; and 
on this hinge turns the door of salvation. 

17. Who cannot see, then, that salvation is the 
effect of faith ? for, as we have previously observed, all 
the heavenly beings work by this principle ; and it is 
because they are able so to do that they are saved, for 
nothing but this could save them. And this is the 
lesson which the God of heaven, by the mouth of all 
his holy prophets, has been endeavouring to teach to 
the world. Hence we are told, that " Without faith it 
is impossible to please God ;" and that salvation is of 
faith, that it might be by grace, to the end the promise 
might be sure to all the seed. Romans iv. 16. And 
that Israel, who followed after the law of righteous- 
ness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 
Wherefore ? Because they sought it not by faith, but 
as it were by the works of the law ; for they stumbled 
at that stumbling stone. Romans ix. 32. And Jesus 
said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get 
the devil who tormented him cast out : "If thou canst 
believe, all things are possible to him that belie veth." 
Mark ix. 23. These with a multitude of other scriptures 
which might be quoted plainly set forth the light in 
which the Saviour, as well as the Former-day Saints, 
viewed the plan of salvation. That it was a system of 
faith — it begins with faith, and continues by faith ; and 
every blessing which is obtained in relation to it is the 
effect of faith, whether it pertains to this life or that 
which is to come. To this all the revelations of God 
bear witness. If there were children of promise, they 
were the effects of faith, not even the Saviour of the 
world excepted. " Blessed is she that believed," said 
Elizabeth to Mary, when she went to visit her, " for 
there shall be a performance of those things which 
were told her from the Lord." Luke i. 45. Nor was 
the birth of John the Baptist the less a matter of faith ; 
for in order that his father Zacharias might believe he 



LIT. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 73 

was struck dumb. And through the whole history of 
the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith : 
every man received according to his faith — according 
as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges ; 
and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was 
sufficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of 
lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of 
the sword, wax valiant in fight, and put to flight the 
armies of the aliens ; women could, by their faith, 
receive their dead children to life again ; in a word, 
there was nothing impossible with them who had faith. 
All things were in subjection to the Former-day Saints, 
according as their faith was. By their faith they could 
obtain heavenly visions, the ministering of angels, have 
knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of 
the general assembly and church of the first born, whose 
names are written in heaven, of God the judge of all, 
of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and become 
familiarwith the third heavens, see and hear things which 
were not only unutterable, but were unlawful to utter. 
Peter, in view of the power of faith, second epistle, 
first chapter, second and third verses, says to the For- 
mer-day Saints : " Grace and peace be multiplied unto 
you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our 
Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto 
us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, 
through the knowledge of him that hath called us to 
glory and virtue." In the first epistle, first chapter, 
third, fourth and fifth verses he says : " Blessed be the 
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, 
according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us 
again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus 
Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible 
and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in 
heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God 
through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in. 
the last time." 

18. These sayings put together show the apostle's 
views most clearly, so as to admit of no mistake on 



74 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. VII. 

the mind of any individual. He says that all things 
that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them 
through the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus 
Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they 
to obtain the knowledge of God ? (for there is a great 
difference between believing in God and knowing him 
— knowledge implies more than faith. And notice, 
that all things that pertain to life and godliness were 
given through the knowledge of God) the answer is 
given — through faith they were to obtain this know- 
ledge ; and, having power by faith to obtain the know- 
ledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things 
which pertain to life and godliness. 

19. By these sayings of the apostle, we learn that 
it was by obtaining a knowledge of God that men got 
the knowledge of all things w T hich pertain to life and 
godliness, and this knowledge was the effect of faith ; 
so that all things which pertain to life and godliness 
are the effects of faith. 

20. From this we may extend as far as any circum- 
stances may require, whether on earth or in heaven, 
and we will find it the testimony of all inspired men, 
or heavenly messengers, that all things that pertain to 
life and godliness are the effects of faith and nothing 
else ; all learning, wisdom and prudence fail, and every 
thing else as a means of salvation but faith. This is 
the reason that the fishermen of Galilee could teach 
the world — because they sought by faith, and by faith 
obtained. And this is the reason that Paul counted all 
things but filth and dross — what he formerly called his 
gain he called his loss ; yea, and he counted all things 
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
Jesus the Lord. Philippians iii. 7, 8, 9, and 10. Be- 
cause to obtain the faith by which he could enjoy the 
knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer 
the loss of all things. This is the reason that the 
Former-day Saints knew more, and understood more, 
of heaven and of heavenly things than all others 



LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 75 

beside, because this information is the effect of faith — 
to be obtained by no other means. And this is the 
reason that men, as soon as they lose their faith, run 
into strifes, contentions, darkness, and difficulties ; for 
the knowledge which tends to life disappears with faith, 
but returns when faith returns ; for when faith comes 
it brings its train of attendants with it — apostles, pro- 
phets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, 
knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation 
of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears 
on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from 
the earth ; for these are the effects of faith, and always 
have attended, and always will, attend it. For where 
faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with 
all things which pertain thereto — revelations, visions, 
and dreams, as w r ell as every necessary thing, in order 
that the possessors of faith may be perfected, and 
obtain salvation ; for God must change, otherwise faith 
will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, 
through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and w r isdom, 
until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, 
whom he has sent — whom to know is eternal life. 
Amen. 



7G COVENANTS AND [SEC. 



COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS. 



SECTION I. 

The Covenants and Commandments of the Lord, to 
his servants of the Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter-day Saints. 

1. Hearken, ye people of a my church, saith the 
voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are 
upon all men ; yea, verily I say, hearken ye people 
from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, 
listen together. 

2. For verily the voice of the Lord is unto 6 all 
men, and there is none to escape, and there is no eye 
that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, 
neither heart that shall not be penetrated. 

3. And the rebellious shall be pierced with much 
sorrow, for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the 
housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed. 

a, 1 : 30. 5 : 14. 10 : 53—56. 11 : 16. 18 : 4, 5. 20 : 1—4. 21 : 1—4. 
22 : 3. 23 : 2—5, 7. 24 : 9, 10. 28 : 12, 13. SO : 6, 7. 33 : 5. 37 : 3. 
38: 34. 39: 13. 41: 3, 9. 42: 1, 8. 43: 1, 2. 44: 1. 45: 1, 6. 46: 1—5. 
47 : 3. 48 : 6. 49 : 14. 50 : 1, 4. 51 : 4, 5. 52 : 39, 41. 53 : 1, 4. 55 : 2, 4. 
56 : 10. 57 : 1. 58 : 1. 60 : 1, 8, 9. 61 : 2. 62 : 1. 63 : 46, 63. 
64 : 1, 26, 37. 67 : 1. 68 : 7, 14. 69 : 3, 7. 70 : 1, 5, 6, 10. 71 : 2. 
72 : 1, 2, 26. 73 : 1. 75 : 23, 24. 76 : 54. 77 : 5, 11. 78 : 1, 4. 81 : 1. 
82 : 18, 21. 83 : 1—6. 84 : 2, 17. 86 : 1, 4, 11. 86 : 3. 88 : 127. 89 : 1. 
90 : 13, 15, 16. 93 : 22. 94 : 3. 97 : 5. 98 : 6, 19. 101 : 72, 75. 102 : 1, 2, 3. 
103 : 23, 29. 104 : 1, 50. 105 : 2, 7, 8. 106 : 1, 8. 107 : 1, 4, 5. 109 : 72, 
73, 79. 112 : 27. 115 : 3, 4. 117 : 13. 119 : 2. 120 : 1. 124 : 84. 128 : 4, 
10, 21. 133 : 1, 8, 16. 136 : 2, 41. b, vers. 4, 11, 34, 35. 5:5. 18 : 
26, 28. 39 : 15. 42 : 58. 43 : 20—28. 45 : 49, 71. 49 : 10. 58 : 9, 10, 11. 
68 : 8. 77 : 11. 84 : 74, 75. 88 : 104. 90 : 8—11. 124 : 3. 133 : 7— 25. 
133 : 63, 64—74, 8, 9, 16, 37. 



BJSC, I.] COMMANDMENTS. 77 ' 

4. And the voice of warning shall be unto all 
people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have 
chosen in these last days. 

5. And they shall go forth and none shall stay 
them, for I the Lord have commanded them. 

6. Behold, this is mine authority, and the Authority 
of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my 
commandments, which I have given them to publish 
unto you, inhabitants of the earth. 

7. Wherefore, fear and tremble, ye people, for 
what I the Lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled. 

8. And verily, I say unto you, that they who go 
forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the 
earth, to them is power given to ^seal both on earth 
and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious ; 

9. Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when 
the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked 
without measure ; 

10. Unto the day when the Lord shall come to re- 
compense unto every man according to his work, and 
measure to every man according to the measure which 
he has measured to his fellow man. 

11. Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the 
ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear ; 

12. Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, 
for the Lord is e nigh ; 

13. And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his 
sword is ^bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the 
inhabitants of the earth ; 

c, vers. 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 23—28. 124 : 123—145. d, 77 : 8, 12. 
75 : 18—22. 84 : 74, 92—95. 88 : 84. 128 : 8—11. 68 : 12. 133 : 71—74. 
24:15. 60:15. 103:24—26. 124:93. e, 1,35,-36. 29:9—11. 
33 : 3, 17, 18. 34 : 6—9, 12. 35 : 15, 16, 26, 27. 36 : 8. 38 : 8. 39 : 20, 21, 
23, 24. 41 : 4. 43 : 17—19, 28—31. 45 : 36—50, 56-61. 49 : 6, 7, 23—25, 
28. 51 : 20. 54 : 10. 61 : 38, 39. 63 : 32—35, 53, 54. 64 : 23, 24. 65 : 5, 6. 
68 : 11, 35. 67 : 12. 78 : 20—22. 84 : 118, 119. 87 : 8. 88 : 86—110. 
97 : 22—26. 99 : 5. 101 : 3, 22 -37, 64-66. 104 : 59. 110 : 16. 112 : 24, 34. 
124 : 8, 124. 130 : 14—17. 133 : 2, 3, 10, 11, 17—25, 36—56. /, 1 : 14. 
5 : 5, 8, 19, 20. 29 : 14—21. 35 : 14. 43 : 17—27. 45 : 26, 30—33, 45, 47— 
50, 63, 69. 63 : 6, 32, 33, 34. 87 : 1-8. 88 : 85, 87—91. 97 : 22—24. 101 : 
10, 11. 112 : 23, 24, 133 ; 2, 3, 49—51, Isaiah 34 ; 1-8. m ! 14—16. 
Rev. 19 : 11-21. 



78 COVENANTS AND [SEC. I. 

14. And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed ; 
and the day cometh that they who will not hear the 
voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, 
neither give heed to the words of the prophets and 
apostles, shall be ^cut off from among the people ; 

15. For they have strayed from mine ordinances, 
and have A broken mine everlasting covenant ; 

16. They seek not the Lord to establish his right- 
eousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and 
after the image of his own God, whose image is in the 
likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of 
an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, 
even Babylon the great, Hvhich shall fall. 

17. Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the calamity 
which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, 
called upon my servant Joseph Smith, iun., and spake 
unto him from heaven, and gave him command- 
ments ; 

18. And also gave commandments to others, that 
they should proclaim these things unto the world ; and 
all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by 
the prophets ; 

19. The %eak things of the world shall come forth 
and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man 
should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the 
arm of flesh, 

20. But that every man might speak in the name 
of God the Lord, even the Saviour of the world ; 

21. That faith also might increase in the earth ; 

22. That mine ^everlasting covenant might be 
established ; 

g, 5 : 19, 20. 29 : 9—11. 35 : 14. 38 : 6, 8, 12. 45 : 30—33, 44, 49, 50, 
57, 75. 49 : 6, 10. 50 : 8. 56 : 1, 3, 4. 63 : 6, 32—37. 84 : 92—98. 86 : 7. 
87 : 6. 83 : 84, 85. 97 : 7, 22, 25. 99 : 4, 5. 101 : 10, 11. 102 : 23—26. 
133 : 2, 49-52, 63, 64, 65—74. Acts 3 : 22, 23. h, 22 : 1—4. Isakh 
24 : 5, 6. ?\ 29 : 21. 35 : 11. 86 : 3—7. 8S : 94, 105. 101 : 65, &o. 
133: 5, 7, 14. }, vers. 23,24. 35 : 13. 124 : 1. I. Corinth. 1 : 26-29. 
k y 22 : 1, 3. 39 : 11. 45 : 9. 49 : 9. 6(5: 2. 76 : 69, 101. 78 : 11. 82 : 15. 
81 : 40, 41. 48, 57, 99. S3 : 131, 133. 98 : 14, 15. 101 : 39. 104 ; 4, 6. 
107 ; 19. 132: 4, 0, 10, 20, 27, 41, 42. 



CEC. I.] COMMANDMENTS. 79 

23. That the fullness of my gospel might bo pro- 
claimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of 
the world, and before kings and rulers. 

24. Behold, I am God and have spoken it : these 
commandments are of me, and were given unto my 
servants in their weakness, after the manner of their 
language, that they might come to understanding, 

25. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made 
known : 

26. And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they 
might be instructed : 

27. And inasmuch as they sinned they might be 
chastened, that they might repent : 

28. And inasmuch as they w r ere humble they might 
be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive 
knowledge from time to time : 

29. And after having received the record of the 
Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, jun., 
might have power to ^translate through the mercy of 
God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon ; 

30. And also those to whom these commandments 
were given, might have power to lay the foundation of 
this church, and to bring it w forth out of obscurity and 
out of darkness, the only true and living church upon 
the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, 
am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively 
and not individually, 

31. For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the 
least degree of, allowance ; 

32. Nevertheless, he that repents and does the com- 
mandments of the Lord shall be forgiven ; 

33. And he that repents not, from him shall be 
taken even the light which he has received, for my 
Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord 
of Hosts. 

1,1'. 20. 3 : 12. 6 : 4, 30, °,1. 6 : 25, 28. : 12. 10 : 1—4. 7, 10, 11, 
13, 16, 13, 30, 31, 34, 41, 45. 17 ; 0. 20 : 8. 21 : 1. 37 ! 1. 77 j 16. 00 : 13. 

$3 ; 53, 107 : 92. 124 : 126, m, sco a, 



80 COVENANTS AND [SEC. II. 

34. And again, verily I say unto you, inhabitants 
of the earth, I the Lord am willing to make these 
things known unto n all flesh, 

35. For I am no respecter of persons, and will that 
all men shall know that the day speedily cometh ; the 
hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when °peace shall 
be taken from the earth, and the ^devil shall have 
power over his own dominion ; 

36. And also the Lord shall have power over his 
saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come 
down in judgment upon ?Idumea, or the w T orld. 

37. Search these commandments for they are true 
and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which 
are in them shall all be fulfilled. 

38. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, 
and I excuse not myself: and ^though the heavens and 
the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but 
shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by 
the voice of my servants, it is the same ; 

39. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the 
Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the 
truth abideth forever and ever. Amen. 



SECTION 2. 



Words spoken by an angel, to Joseph Smith, while in his 
father s house, in Manchester, Ontario County, New 
York, on the evening of the 21st of September, 1823. 

1. Behold I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by 
the hand of "Elijah the prophet, before the 5 coming of 
the great and dreadful day of the Lord ; 

n, see b. o, 87 : 1, 2, 6. 112 : 24. p, 38 : 11. o, sec f, and j 
r, 45 : 23. 57 : 11. 

a, 27 : 0, 35 ; 4, 93 ; 16, 17. 110 ; 13, 14, 123 ; 17, 133 ; 55, b, see 
e, Sec 1. 



SEC. III.] COMMANDMENTS. 81. 

2. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children 
the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the 
children r shall turn to their fathers ; 

3. If it were not so, the whole earth would be 
utterly wasted at its coming. 



SECTION 3. 

Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., given in Harmony, 
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, July, 1828, 
concerning certain Manuscripts on the First Part 
of the Book of Mormon, which had been taken 
from the possession of Martin Harris. 

1 . The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God 
cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to nought, 

2. For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither 
doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither 
doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his 
paths are straight, and his course is a one eternal round. 

3. Remember, remember that it is not the work of 
God that is frustrated, but the work of men ; 

4. For although a man may have many revelations, 
and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he 
boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the 
counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his 
own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the 
vengeance of a just God upon him. 

^ 5. Behold, you have been intrusted with these 
things, but how strict were your commandments ; and 
remember, also the promises which were made to you, 
if you did not transgress them ; 

c, 27 : 9. 110 : 15. 128 : 17. 
a, 35 : 1. i. Nep. 10 : 10. 



82 COVENANTS AND [SEC. III. 

6. And behold, how oft you have transgressed the 
commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on 
in the persuasions of men ; 

7. For, behold, you should not have feared man 
more than God, although men set at nought the coun- 
sels of God, and despise his words ; 

8. Yet you should have been faithful and he would 
have extended his arm and supported you against all 
the fiery darts of the adversary ; and he would have 
been with you in every time of trouble. ' 

9. Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen 
to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgres- 
sion, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall ; 

10. But remember God is merciful ; therefore, re- 
pent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to 
the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still 
chosen, and art again called to the work ; 

11. Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up 
and become as other men, and have no more gift. 

12. And when thou deliveredst up that which God 
had given thee 5 sight and power to translate, thou de- 
liveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a 
wicked man, 

13. Who has set at nought the counsels of God, 
and has broken the most sacred promises which were 
made before God, and has depended upon his own 
judgment, and boasted in his own wisdom, 

14. And this is the reason that thou hast lost thy 
privileges for a season, 

15. For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy direc- 
tor to be trampled upon from the beginning. 

16. Nevertheless my work shall go forth, for inas- 
much as the knowledge of a Saviour has come unto 
the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even 
so shall the knowledge of a Saviour come unto my 
people, 

b, see 7, 1 : 29. c, Rom. 11 ; 30, 31* 



SEC. IV.] COMMANDMENTS. 83 

17. And to the ^Nephites, and the Jacobites, and 
the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testi- 
mony of their fathers — 

18. And this testimony shall come to the knowledge 
of the e Lamanites, and the Lemuelites and the Ishmael- 
ites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity 
of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to ^destroy 
their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities 
and their abominations ; 

19. And for this very purpose are these plates pre- 
served which contain these records, that the promises 
of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his 
people ; 

20. And that the Lamanites might come to the 
^knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know 
the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe 
the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, 
and be glorified through faith in his name, and that 
through 7i their repentance they might be saved. Amen, 



SECTION 4. 

Revelation, through Joseph, the Seer, to Joseph Smith, 
sen., given in Harmony, Susquehanna County, 
Pennsylvania, February, 1829. 

1. Now behold, a ^marvelous work is about to come 
forth among the children of men ; 

d, I. Nep. 13 : 30. Alma 45 : 10—14. Mor. 9 : 24. e, Indians, 

among whom there is a mixture of the Nephites. /, Near the close 

of the fourth century of our era. g, 10 : 48. 28 : 8, 9, 14. 30 : 6. 

49:24. 54:8. h, 1 : 32. 5:19. 6:9. 11:9. 15:6. 18:6,9,11—15, 

22, 41, 42, 44. 19 : 4, 13—17, 20, 21, 31. 20 : 6, 29, 37, 71, 72. 29 : 42, 44, 49. 
33 : 10, 11. 34 : 6. 35 : 5. 36 : 6. 39 : 18. 42 : 20, 21, 23—25, 28, 37, 77. 
43 : 20-22. 44 : 3. 49 : 2, 8, 13, 26. '53 : 3. 45 : 2. 56 : 14. 58 : 42, 43, 48. 
63 : 15, 63. 64 : 12. 84 : 27, 41, 57. 98 : 41—44, 47. 109 : 21, 29, 50, 53. 
124 : 50. 133 : 62. 

a, 0: 1. 18 : 44. 33 ; 12. 76 : 114. 121 : 12. 



84 COVENANTS AND [.SEC. V. 

2. Therefore, ye that embark in the service of 
God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, 
mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before 
God at the last day ; 

3. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are 
called to the work, 

4. For behold the field is 6 white already to harvest, 
and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, 
the same layeth up in store that he perish not, but 
bringeth salvation to his soul ; 

5. And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye 
single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. 

6. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, 
patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, 
diligence. 

7. c Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be 
opened unto you. Amen. 



SECTION 5. 

Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Har- 
mony, Susquelianna County, Pennsylvania, March, 
1829. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, that as my servant 
Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that 
you, my servant Joseph Smith, jun., have got the plates 
of which you have testified and borne record that you 
have received of me ; 

2. And now, behold, this shall you say unto him, 
he who spake unto you, said unto you, I, the Lord, am 

6, 11 : 3. 12 : 3. 14 : 3. 33 : 3, 7. 101 : 64. C, 4 : 7. 6 : 5, 11, 14, 15. 
7:1. 8 : 1, 9, 11. 9 : 7, 8. 11 : 5. 12 : 5. 14 : 5, 8. 18 : 18. 29 : 6, 34. 
35 : 9. 42 : 3, 56, 61, 62, 68. 46 : 7, 28, 30. 49 : 26. 50 ; 2, 31. G0 1 9. 
75 : 27. 88 : 63—65, 83. 101 : 27. 103 : 31, 35. 132 : 40. 



SEC. V.] COMMANDMENTS. 85 

God, and have given these things unto you, my servant 
Joseph Smith, jun., and have commanded you that 
you should stand as a witness of these things, 

3. And I have caused you that you should enter 
into a covenant with me, that you should a not show 
them except to those persons to whom I commanded 
you ; and you have no power over them except I grant 
it unto you. 

4. And you have a & gift to translate the plates 
and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you, 
and I have commanded that you should pretend 
to no other gift, until my purpose is fulfilled in 
this ; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is 
finished. 

5. Verily, I say unto you, that c wo shall come unto 
the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken 
unto my words ; 

6. For hereafter you shall be ^ordained and go forth 
and deliver my words unto the children of men. 

7. Behold, if they will not believe my words, they 
would not believe you my servant Joseph, if it were 
possible that you could show them all these things 
which I have committed unto you. 

8. ! this unbelieving and stiffhecked generation, 
mine anger is kindled against them. 

9. Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved 
those things which I have entrusted unto you, my ser- 
vant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be 
made known unto future generations ; 

10. But this generation shall have my word 
^through you ; 

11. And in addition to your testimony, the -^testi- 
mony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and 
ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they 

a, see testimony of The Eight Witnesses, Book of Mormon. b, see I. 

1 : 29. fc, see/ and r/, Sec. 1. d, 20 : 2. 21 : 10, 11. 43 : 7. 113 : 5, G. 

124 : 57, 58, 125. 132 : 7, 19, 44—49. e, see I, Sec. 1. /, vcr. lo. 

Sec. 17 : 2. 27 : 12. Ether 5 : 3, 4. Book of Mor. p. v. 



86 COVENANTS AND [SEC. V. 

shall go forth with my words that are given through 
you; 

12. Yea, they shall know of a surety that these 
things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto 
them. 

13. I will give them power that they may behold 
and view these things as they are ; 

14. And to none else will I grant this power, to 
receive this ^same testimony among this generation, in 
this the beginning of the rising up and the ^coming 
forth of my church out of the wilderness ; 'clear as the 
moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with 
banners. 

15. And the testimony of three witnesses will I send 
forth of my word ; 

16. And behold, whosoever believeth on my words 
them will I Jvisit with the manifestation of my Spirit, 
and they shall be *born of me, even of z water and of 
the ^Spirit. 

17. And you must wait yet a little while, for ye 
are not yet ordained ; 

18. And their testimony shall n also go forth unto 
the condemnation of this generation if they harden 
their hearts against them ; 

19. For a Mesolating scourge shall go forth among 
the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be 
poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until 
the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are 
consumed away and utterly destroyed by the -^bright- 
ness of my coming. 

g, None others, in this generation, to receive a testimony of the same 
kind as the three : but may receive a knowledge by other manifestations. 
h, see a, Sec. 1. i, 105 : 31. 109 : 73. j, 8:1. 18 : 2, 18. 39 : 6. 

47 : 8—29. 67 : 11. 70 : 12, 13. 75 : 27. 77 : 10—30, 116—118. 79 : 2. 
84 : 46, 47, 85. 88 : 3, 13. 90 : 11. 121 : 26—28. 124 : 5. 133 : 59. 
k, Mos. 5:7. 27 : 24—27. Alma 5 : 14, 49. 22 : 15. 36 : 23, 26. 38 : 6. 
I, 19 : 31. 20 : 41. 20 : 73, 74. 33 : 11. 35 : 5, 6. 39 : 6, 10, 20, 23. 42 : 7. 
52 : 10. 55 : 1. S4 : 64, 74. wi, 19 : 31. 20 : 41, 43. 33 : 15. 35: 5, 6. 

39 : 6, 10, 23. 52 : 10. 55 : 1. 84 : 64, 74. n, testimony of all who are 

born of the Spirit. o, see / and g, Sec. 1. p, sec e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. V.] COMMANDMENTS. 87 

20. Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also 
told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem, and 

my word shall be Verified at this time as it hath 
hitherto been verified. 

21. And now I command you my servant Joseph 
to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and 
yield to the persuasions of men no more ; 

22. And that you be firm in keeping the command- 
ments wherewith I have commanded you, and if you 
do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, r even 
if you should be slain. 

23. And now, again, I speak unto you, my servant 
Joseph, concerning the *man that desires the witness. 

24. Behold, I say unto him, he exalts himself and 
does not humble himself sufficiently before me ; but if 
he will bow down before me, and humble himself in 
mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of his heart, 
then will I grant unto him a f view of the things which 
he desires to see. 

25. And then he shall say unto the people of this 
generation, behold, I have seen the things which the 
Lord has shown unto Joseph Smith, jun., and I know 
of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them, 
for they have been shown unto me by the power of 
God and not of man. 

26. And I, the Lord, command him, my servant 
Martin Harris, that he shall say no more unto them 
concerning these things, except he shall say I have seen 
them, and they have been shown unto me by the power 
of God, and these are the words which he shall say ; 

27. But if he deny this, he will break the covenant 
which he has before covenanted with me, and behold, 
he is condemned. 

28. And now, except he humble himself and acknow- 
ledge unto me the things that he has done which are 



q, see r, Sec. 1. r, 6 : 30. 135. s, Martin Harris. t, 17 : 1. 

See testimon}- of the Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon. 



88 COVENANTS AND [SEC. V. 

wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my 
commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I 
say unto him, he shall have no such views, for I will 
grant unto him no views of the tilings of which I have 
spoken. 

29. And if this bo the case, I command you, my 
servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him, that he 
shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning 
this matter. 

30. And if this be the case, behold, I say unto thee 
Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages, 
thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command 
thee again ; then thou mayest translate again. 

31. And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt 
have no more gift, and I will take away the things 
which I have entrusted with thee. 

32. And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to 
destroy thee, yea, I foresee that if my servant Martin 
Harris humbleth not himself, and receive a witness 
from my hand, that he will fall into transgression ; 

33. And there are many that lie in wait to destroy 
thee from off the face of the earth, and for this cause, 
that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto 
thee these commandments ; 

34. Yea, for this cause I have said, stop and stand 
still until I command thee, and I will provide means 
whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I 
have commanded thee ; 

35. And if thou art faithful in keeping my com- 
mandments, thou shalt be ^lifted up at the last day. 
Amen. 

u, 9 : 14. 17 : 8. 27 : 18. 52 : 44. 75 : 10, 22. I. Nep. 13 : 37. 16 : 2. 
Alma 26 : 7. 36 : 28. 38 : 5. hi. Nep. 15 : 1. 27 : 14, 15, 22. Mor. 2 : 19. 
Ether 4 : 19. 



SEC. VI.] COMMANDMENTS. 89 



SECTION 6. 

Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith, 
jun., in Harmony, Susquehanna County, Penn- 
sylvania, April, 1829. 

1. A great and ^marvelous work is about to come 
forth unto the children of men. 

2. Behold, I am God, and give heed unto my word, 
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged 
sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and mar- 
row ; therefore give heed unto my words. 

3. Behold the field is & white already to harvest, 
therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his 
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that 
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in 
the kingdom of God : 

4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, 
the c same is called of God ; 

5. Therefore, if you will ^ask of me you shall re- 
ceive ; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 

6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, 
keep my commandments, and seek to 'bring forth and 
establish the cause of Zion, 

7. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, 
the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and 
then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath 
eternal life is rich. 

8. Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire 
of me, so it shall be unto you ; and if you desire, you 
shall be the means of doing much good in this genera- 
tion. 

9. Say nothing but repentance unto this genera- 

a, see a, Sec. 4. 6, see b, Sec. 4. c, 4 : 4. 11 : 3, 4, 27. 12 : 3, 4. 
14 : 3, 4. 31 : 5. 33 : 7. d, see c, Sec. 4. e, 11 : C. 12 : 6. 14 : 6. 
39 : 13. S4 : 2—5. 101 : C9— 71, 75. 103 : 11—24, 34, 35. 105 : 27—20. 
113 : 7, 8. 115 : 5, 6. 133 : 9. 



90 COVENANTS AND [SBC. VI. 

tion : keep my commandments, and assist to bring 
forth my work, according to my commandments, and 

you shall be blessed. 

10. Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou 
because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and conieth 
from above : 

11. And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know 
mysteries which are great and marvelous : therefore 
thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out 
mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the know- 
ledge of the truth ; yea, convince them of the error of 
their w T ays. 

12. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be 
those who are of thy faith. Trifle not w T ith sacred 
things. 

13. If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful 
to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, 
which is the ^greatest of all the gifts of God ; for there 
is no gift greater than the gift of salvation. 

14. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou 
for what thou hast done, for thou hast inquired of me, 
and behold as often as thou hast inquired, thou hast 
received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been 
so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou 
art at this time. 

15. Behold thou knowest that thou hast inquired 
of me, and I did enlighten thy mind ; and now I tell 
thee these things, that thou mayest know that thou 
hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth ; 

16. Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that 
there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts 
and the intents of thy heart : 

17. I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee, 
that the words or the work which thou hast been writ- 
ing is true. 

18. Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant 

/, 11 : 7. U : 7. i. Nep. 15 : 36. 



SEC. VI.] COMMANDMENTS. 91 

Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances 
he may be for the word's sake. 

19. Admonish him in his faults, and also receive 
admonition of him. Be patient ; be sober ; be tem- 
perate ; have patience, faith, hope and charity. 

20. Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken 
unto thee because of thy desires ; therefore treasure 
up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent 
in keeping the commandments of God, and I will en- 
circle thee in the arms of my love. 

21. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 
I am the same that came unto ^my own, and my 
own received me not. I am the light which ^shineth 
in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it 
not. 

22. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a 
further witness, cast your mind upon the night that 
you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know 
concerning the truth of these things. 

23. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning 
the matter ? What greater witness can you have than 
from God ? 

24. And now, behold, you have received a witness, 
for if I have told you things which no man knoweth, 
have you not received a witness ? 

25. And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you 
desire of me, to ^translate even as my servant Joseph. 

26. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ^there are 
records which contain much of my gospel, which have 
been kept back because of the wickedness of the 
people ; 

27. And now I command you, that if you have 
good desires — a desire to lay up treasures for yourself 
in heaven — then shall you assist in bringing t6 light, 

g, 10 : 57. 11 : 29. 39 : 3. 45 : 8. 133 : 66. h, 10 : 58. 11 : 11, 

28. 12 : 9. 14 : 9. 34 : 2. 39 : 2. 45 : 7, 28, 36. 50 : 24, 25, 27. 84 : 45, 

46. 80 : 11. 88 : 6-13, 49, 50, 56-58, 67. 93 ; 9. 103 : 9. t, see I. 
1 : 29. ?', vers. 27, 28. 



92 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VL 

with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have 
been 'hidden because of iniquity. 

28. And now, behold, I give unto you, and also 
unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which 
shall bring to light this ministry ; and in the mouth 
of 'two or three witnesses shall every word be estab- 
lished. 

29. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject 
my w r ords, and this part of my gospel and ministry, 
blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than 
unto me ; 

30. And if they do unto you, even as they have 
done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with 
me in glory ; 

31. But if they ^reject not my words, which shall 
be established by the testimony which shall be given, 
blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the 
fruit of your labors. 

32. Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto 
my disciples, n where two or three are gathered together 
in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will 
I be in the midst of them, even so am I in the midst 
of you. 

33. Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever 
ye sow, that shall ye also reap ; therefore, if ye sow 
good, ye shall also reap good for your rew r ard. 

34. Therefore, fear not, little flock, do good ; let 
earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built 
upon °my Rock, they cannot prevail. 

35. Behold, I do not condemn you, go your ways 
and sin no more, perforin with soberness the work 
which I have commanded you ; 

36. Look unto me in every thought ; doubt not, 
fear not ; 



7c, vers. 20, 27. I 5 : 11, 15. 18 : 34, 66. 42 : SO, 81. 76 : 22. 

12S : 3. m, reject not the Book of Mormon. n, 29 : 6. 84 : 1. 

o, 10 : 09. 11 : 10, 24. 18 : 4, 17. 33 : 13. 50 : 44. 



v*-* 



SEC. VII.] COMMANDMENTS. 93 

37. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and 
also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet ; be 
faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit 
the kingdom of heaven. Amen. 



SECTION 7. 

'Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver 
Cowdery, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, 
when they desired to know whether John, the beloved 
disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parch- 
ment, icritten and hid up by himself, 

1. And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, 
what desirest thou ? For if ye shall ask, what you 
will, it shall be granted unto you. 

2. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power 
over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee. 

3. And the Lord said unto me, Verily, verily, I say 
unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt a tarry 
until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before 
nations, kindred, tongues and people. 

4. And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, & If 
I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? 
for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, 
but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come 
unto me in my. kingdom. 

5. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, 
but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or 
a greater work yet among men than what he has before 
done ; 

6. Yea, he has undertaken a greater work, therefore 
I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel : 

a, 77 : 14. m. Nep. 28 : 6. John 21 : 20—25. Rev. 10 : 11. b> John 

21 : 20-25. 



94 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VIII. 

he shall minister for those who c shall be heirs of salva- 
tion who dwell on the earth : 

7. And I will make thee to minister for him and for 
thy brother James ; and unto you three I will give this 
power and the keys of this ministry until I come. 

8. Verily, I say unto you, ye shall both have accord- 
ing to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye 
have desired. 



SECTION 8. 

Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, 
Pennsylvania, April, 1829. 

1. Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, 
that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and 
your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a 
knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, 
with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a 
knowledge concerning the engravings of a old records, 
which are ancient, which contain those parts of my 
scripture of which have been spoken by the manifesta- 
tion of my Spirit ; 

2. Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in 
your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon 
you and which shall dwell in your heart. 

3. Now, behold, this is the Spirit of revelation ; 
behold, this is the Spirit by which Moses brought the 
children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground'; 

4. Therefore this is thy gift ; apply unto it, and 
blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the 
hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they 
would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. 

c, Heb. 1 : 14. 



a, see I, Sec. 1. 



SEC. IX.] COMMANDMENTS. 95 

5. ! remember these words, and keep my com- 
mandments. Remember this is your gift. 

6. Now this is not all thy gift ; for you have an- 
other gift, which is the 6 gift of Aaron : behold, it has 
told you many things ; 

7. Behold, there is no other power, save the power 
of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you ; 

8. Therefore doubt not, for it is the gift of God, 
and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous 
works ; and no power shall be able to take it away out 
of your hands, for it is the work of God. 

9. And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to 
tell you, by that means, that will I grant unto you, 
and you shall have knowledge concerning it : 

10. Remember that without faith you can do no- 
thing, therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these 
things ; do not ask for that which you ought not : 

11. Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, 
and that c you may translate and receive knowledge 
from all those ancient records which have been hid up, 
that are sacred, and according to your faith shall it be 
done unto you. 

12. Behold, it is I that have spoken it ; and I am 
the same that spake unto you from the beginning. 
Amen. 



SECTION 9. 

Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery, through Joseph, 
the Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because 
you did not translate according to that which you de- 
sired of me, and did commence again to write for my 

&, vers. 7, 8, 9. c, see I, Sec. 1. 



96 COVENANTS AND [SEC. IX. 

servant, Joseph Smith, jun., even so I would that ye 
should continue until you have finished this record, 
which I have entrusted unto him : 

2. And then, behold, "other records have I, that I 
will give unto you power that you may assist to trans- 
late. £' ; 

3. Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and 
it is not expedient that you should translate at this 
present time. 

4. Behold, the work which you are called to do, is 
to write for my servant Joseph ; 

5. And, behold, it is because that you did not con- 
tinue as you commenced, when you began to translate, 
that I have taken away this privilege from you. 

6. Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me 
that I have dealt with you after this manner. 

7. Behold, you have not understood ; you have 
supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took 
no thought, save it was to ask me ; 

8. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study 
it out in your mind ; then you must ask me if it 
be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom 
shall burn within you ; therefore, you shall feel that it 
is right ; 

P*« 9. But if it be not right, you shall have no such 
feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought, that 
shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong : 
therefore you cannot write that which is sacred, save it 
be given you from me. 

*'!' *10. Now if you had known this, you could have 
translated ; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you 
should translate now. 

11. Behold, it was expedient when you com- 
menced, but you feared and the time is past, and it is 
not expedient now ; 

12. For, do ye not behold that I have given unto 

a, Records kept by the Nephites. 



SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 97 

my servant Joseph, sufficient strength, whereby it is 
made up ; and neither of you have I condemned. 

13. Do this thing which I have commanded you, 
and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no 
temptation. 

14. Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called 
you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you 
shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen. 



SECTION 10. 



Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jun. y in Harmony, 
Pennsylvania, May, 1829, informing him of the 
alteration of the Manuscript of the fore part of 
the Booh of Mormon. 

1. Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you 
delivered up those writings which you had power given 
unto you to translate, by the means of the Urim and 
Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have 
c lost them ; 

2. And you also lost your gift at the same time, 
and your mind became darkened ; 

3. Nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again, 
therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto 
the finishing of the remainder of the work of transla- 
tion as you have begun : 

4. Do not run faster, or labor more than you have 
strength and means provided to enable you to trans- 
late ; but be diligent unto the end : 

5. Pray always, that you may come off conqueror ; 

b, see u, Sec. 5. 



a, 116 pages of Manuscripts stolen. 10 : 1—19, 29—52. 



98 COVENANTS AND [SEC. X. 

yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may 
escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do up- 
hold his work 

6. Behold, they have sought to destroy you ; yea, 
even the man in whom you have trusted, has sought to 
destroy you. 

7. And for this cause I said that he is a wicked 
man, for he has sought to take away the things where- 
with you have been entrusted ; and he has also sought 
to destroy your gift ; 

8. And because you have delivered the writings 
into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them 
from you : 

9. Therefore, you have delivered them up ; yea, 
that which was sacred unto wickedness. 

10. And, behold, Satan has put it into their hearts 
to alter the words which you have caused to be written, 
or which you have translated, which have gone out of 
your hands. 

11. And, behold, I say unto you, that because 
they have altered the words, they read contrary from 
that which you translated and caused to be written ; 

12. And, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay 
a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work ; 

13. For he has put into their hearts to do this, 
that by lying they may say they have caught you in 
the words which you have pretended to translate. 

14. Verily, I say unto you, that I will not suffer 
that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this 
thing, 

15. For, behold, he has put it into their hearts to 
get thee to tempt the Lord thy God, in asking to trans- 
late it over again ; 

16. And then, behold, they say and think in their 
hearts, we will see if God has given him power to 
translate, if so, he will also give him power again ; 

17. And if God giveth him power again, or if hQ 



SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 99 

translates again, or in other words, if lie bringeth forth 
the same words, behold, we have the same with us, 
and we have altered them : 

18. Therefore, they will not agree, and we will say 
that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, 
and that he has no power : 

19. Therefore, we will destroy him, and also the 
work, and we will do this that we may not be ashamed 
in the end, and that we may get glory of the world. 

20. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has 
great hold upon their hearts ; he stirreth them up to 
iniquity against that which is good, 

21. And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wicked- 
ness and abominations, and they love darkness rather 
than light, because their deeds are evil : therefore they 
will not ask of me. 

22. Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their 
souls to destruction. 

23. And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking 
to destroy the work of God, but I will require this at 
their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and con- 
demnation in the day of judgment ; 

24. Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against 
this work ; 

25. Yea, he saith unto them, deceive and lie in 
wait to catch, that ye may destroy : behold, this is 
no harm, and thus he flattereth them, and telleth them 
that it is no sin to lie, that they may catch a man in 
a lie, that they may destroy him ; 

26. And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them 
along until he draggeth their souls down to hell ; and 
thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own 
snare ; 

27. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in 
the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. 

28. Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto 
him that lieth to deceive, because he supposeth tha^ 



100 COVENANTS AND [SEC. X. 

another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from 
the justice of God. 

29. Now, behold, they have altered these words, 
because Satan saith unto them, He hath deceived you : 
and thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity, to get 
thee to tempt the Lord thy God. 

30. Behold, I say unto you, that you shall not 
translate again those words which have gone forth out 
of your hands ; 

31. For, behold, they shall not accomplish their evil 
designs in lying against those words. For, behold, if 
you should bring forth the same words they will say 
that you have lied ; that you have pretended to trans- 
late, but that you have contradicted yourself : 

32. And, behold, they will publish this, and Satan 
will harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to 
anger against you, that they will not believe my words. 

33. Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testi- 
mony in this generation, that the work may not come 
forth in this generation : 

34. But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show 
unto you wisdom, and give you commandments con- 
cerning these things, what you shall do, show it not 
unto the world until you have accomplished the work 
of translation. 

35. Marvel not that I said unto you, here is wisdom, 
show it not unto the world, for I said, show it not unto 
the world, that you may be preserved. 

36. Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it 
unto the righteous ; 

37. But as you cannot always judge the righteous, 
or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the right- 
eous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I 
shall see fit to make all things known unto the world 
concerning the matter. 

38. And now, verily I say unto you, that an account 
of those things that you have written, which have gone 



SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 101 

out of your hands, are engraven upon the plates of 
Nephi; 

39. Yea, and you remember it was said in those 
writings that a more particular account was given of 
these things upon the plates of Nephi. 

40. And now, because the account which is engraven 
upon the plates of Nephi is more particular concerning 
the things which, in my wisdom, I would bring to the 
knowledge of the people in this account ; 

41. Therefore, you shall translate the engravings 
which are on the Opiates of Nephi, down even till you 
come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come 
to that which you have translated, which you have re- 
tained ; 

42. And behold, you shall publish it as the record 
of Nephi, and thus I will confound those who have 
altered my words. 

43. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my 
work ; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is 
greater than the cunning of the devil. 

44. Behold, they have only got a part, or an abridg- 
ment of the account of Nephi. 

45. Behold, there are many things engraven on the 
plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my 
gospel ; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should 
translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and 
send forth in this work. 

46. And, behold, all the remainder of this work 
does contain all those parts of my gospel which my 
holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, c desired in 
their prayers should come forth unto this people. 

47. And I said unto them, that it should be 
granted unto them according to their faith in their 
prayers ; 

48. Yea, and this was their faith, that my gospel 

6, Small plates of Nephi. c. Enos 1 : 12-18. Mor. 8 : 24—20. 

9:36,37. 



102 COVENANTS AND [SEC. X, 

which I gave unto them, that they might preach in 
their days, might come unto their brethren the La- 
manites, and also all that had become Lamanites, be- 
cause of their dissensions. 

49. Now, this is not all — their faith in their prayers 
was, that this gospel should be made known also, if 
it were possible that other nations should possess this 
land ; 

50. And thus they did leave a blessing upon this 
land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in 
this gospel in this land, might have eternal life ; 

51. Yea, that it might be free unto all of whatso- 
ever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be. 

52. And now, behold, according to their faith in 
their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the 
knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it 
to destroy that which they have received, but to build 
it up. 

53. And for this cause have I said, if this generation 
harden not their hearts, I will establish d my church 
among them. 

54. Now I do not say this to destroy my church, 
but I say this to build up my church ; 

55. Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church 
need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of 
heaven ; 

56. But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep 
my commandments, but build up churches unto them- 
selves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly 
and build up the kingdom of the devil ; yea, verily, 
verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will dis- 
turb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center. 

57. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the son of God. I 
came unto e my own, and my own received me not. 

58. I am the light which ^shineth in darkness, and 
the darkness comprehendeth it not. 

d, see a, Sec. 1. e, see g, Sec. 0. /, see h, Sec. <3. 



SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 103 

59. I am he who said, Mother sheep have I which 
are not of this fold, unto my disciples, and many there 
were that understood me not. 

60. And I will show unto this people that I had 
other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house 
of Jacob ; 

61. And I will bring to light their marvelous works, 
which they did in my name ; 

62. Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel 
which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they 
shall not deny that which you have received, but they 
shall build it up, and shall bring to light the A true 
points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which 
is in me ; 

63. And this I do that I may establish my gospel, 
that there may not be so much contention ; yea, Satan 
doth stir up the hearts of the people to ^contention 
concerning the points of my doctrine ; and in these 
things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and 
do not understand them ; 

64. Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great 
mystery ; 

65. For, behold, I will ^gather them as a hen 
gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will 
not harden their hearts, 

6(j. Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake 
of the waters of life freely. 

67. Behold, this is my doctrine : whosoever repent- 
eth and cometh unto me, the same is *my church. 

68. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the 
same is not of me, but is against me ; therefore he is 
not of my church. 

69. And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, 

g, John 10 : 16. in. Nep. 15 : 16—24. h, i. Nep. 13 : 84—42. 14 : 
1, 2. % t in. Nep. 11 : 28—41. j, 29 : 2, 7, 8, 27. 31 : 8. 33 : 6. 
38 : 31. 39 : 22. 42 : 36, 64. 43 : 24. 45 : 25, 43. 67 : 1, 15. 58 : 56. 
63 : 24. 66 : 11. 77 : 14. 101 : 67, 68. 70 : 74. 84 : 2. 103 : 22. 109 : 58, 
59. 110 : 11. k, see a, Sec. 1. 



104 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XL 

and endureth of my church to the end, him will I 
establish upon my rock, and the 'gates of hell shall not 
prevail against them. 

70. And now, remember the words of him who is 
the 7?l life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your 
Lord and your God. Amen. 



SECTION 11. 

Revelation given to Hyrum Smith, through Joseph, the 
Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May, 1829. 

1. A great and "marvelous work is about to come 
forth among the children of men. 

2. Behold, I am God, and give heed to my word, 
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged 
sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and mar- 
row ; therefore give heed unto my word. 

3. Behold, the field is 6 white already to harvest, 
therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his 
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that 
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in 
the kingdom of God ; 

4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, 
the same is called of God ; 

^ 5. Therefore, if you will c ask of me, you shall re- 
ceive, if you will knock, it shall be opened unto you. 

6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, 
keep my commandments, and seek to ^ring forth and 
establish the cause of Zion. 

7. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and, behold, 

l, 18 : 5. 21 : 6. 33 : 13. 98 : 22. m, see h } Sec. 6. 

a, see a, Sec. 4. b, see b, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e, 
Sec. 0. 



V^ 



SEC. XI.] COMMANDMENTS. 105 

the mysteries of God, shall be unfolded unto you, and 
then shall you be made rich : behold, he that hath 
eternal life is rich. 

8. Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire 
of me, so it shall be done unto you : and, if you desire, 
you shall be the means of doing much good in this 
generation. 

9. Say nothing but repentance unto this generation. 
Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my 
work, according to my commandments, and you shall 
be blessed. 

10. Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a 
gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest 
heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my 
power which speaketh unto thee ; 

11. For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am 
the e light which shineth in darkness, and by my power 
I give these words unto thee. 

12. And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put 
your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good : 
yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously, 
and this is my Spirit. 

13. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart 
unto you of my Spirit ; which shall enlighten your 
mind, which shall fill your soul with joy, 

14. And then shall ye know, or by this shall you 
know all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are 
pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believ- 
ing in me that you shall receive. 

15. Behold, I command you, that you need not sup- 
pose that you are called to preach until you are called : 

• 16. Wait a little longer, until you shall have my 
word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you 
may know of a surety my doctrine ; 

17. And then behold, according to your desires, yea, 
even according to your faith shall it be done unto you. 

e, see h, Sec. 6 



106 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XL 

18. Keep my commandments, hold your peace, 
appeal unto my Spirit ; 

19. Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that 
you may assist in bringing to light those things of 
which have been spoken ; yea, the translation of my 
work ; be patient until you shall accomplish it. 

20. Behold, this is your work, to keep my com- 
mandments, yea, with all your might, mind, and 
strength ; 

21. Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to 
obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed ; 
then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my 
word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of 
men; 

22. But now hold your peace, study my word which 
Hiath gone forth among the children of men, and also 
study my word which shall come forth among the chil- 
dren of men, or that which is ^now translating, yea, 
until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto 
the children of men in this generation, and then shall 
all things be added thereunto. 

23. Behold thou art Hyrum, my son, seek the king- 
dom of God, and all things shall be added according 
to that which is just. 

24. Build upon my rock, which is my gospel ; 

25. Deny not the Spirit of revelation, nor the 
Spirit of prophecy, for A wo unto him that denieth 
these things ; 

26. Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the 
time which is in my wisdom that- you shall go forth. 

27. Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, 
and have thrust in their sickle to reap. 

28. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I 
am the *life and the light of the world. 

29. I am the same who came unto •''my own and 
my own received me not ; 

/, the Bible. .^ g, the Book of Mormon. h, oeeg, Sec 1. 

L see ?kj Sec. 6. j, see g % Sec. Q. 



vw t 



SEC. XII.] COMMANDMENTS. 107 

30. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as 
many as receive me, to them will I give ^power to 
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on 
my name. Amen. 



SECTION 12. 

Revelation given to Joseph Knight , sen., through Joseph, 
tlie Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May, 1829. 

1. A great and ^marvelous work is about to come 
forth among the children of men. 

2. Behold, I am God, and give heed to my word, 
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged 
sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and 
marrow ; therefore, give heed unto my word. 

3. Behold, the field is 6 white already to harvest, 
therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his 
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, 
that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salva- 
tion in the kingdom of God ; 

4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, 
the same is called of God ; 

5. Therefore, if you will c ask of me you shall re- 
ceive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 

6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, 
keep my commandments, and seek to ^bring forth and 
establish the cause of Zion. 

7. Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those 
who have desires to bring forth and establish this work, 

8. And no one can assist in this work, except he 
shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, 

fc, 34 : 3. 39 : 4. 42 : 52. 45 : 8. 76 : 58. 



a, see a, Sec. 4. &, see b, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e f 

Sec. 6. 



108 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIII., XIV. 

and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever 
shall be intrusted to his care. 

9. Behold, I am the *light and the life of the world, 
that speak these words, therefore give heed with your 
might, and then you are called. Amen. 



SECTION 13. 

Words of the Angel, John, {the Baptist) spoken to Joseph 
Smith, jr., and Oliver Cowdery, as he {the angel) 
laid his hands upon their heads and ordained them 
to the Aaronic Priesthood, in Harmony, Susque- 
hanna County, Pennsylvania, May 15th, 1829. 

Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Mes- 
siah, I confer the "Priesthood of Aaron, which holds 
the 6 keys of the ministering of angels, and of the 
gospel of repentance, and of c baptism by immersion for 
the remission of sins ; and this shall never be taken again 
from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer rf again 
an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. 



SECTION 14. 

Revelation given to David Whitmer, through Joseph, the 
Seer y in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829. 

1. A great and Marvelous work is about to come 
forth unto the children of men. 

e, see m, Sec. 10. 

a, 20 : 46—52, 64, 68, 76, 82, 84. 27 : 8. 35 : 4, 5. 38 : 40. 42 : 12, 70. 
68 : 15—24. 84 : 18, 26—28, 30—34, 111. 107 : 1, 6, 13—16, 20, 76, 85—88. 
124 : 142. &, 84 : 26. 107 : 20. c, 18 : 22, 29, 30, 41, 42. 19 : 31. 
20 : 25, 37—42, 72—74. 22 : 2. 33 : 11. 35 : 5, 6. 39 : 6, 10, 20, 23. 42 : 7. 
49 : 13. 52 : 10. 55 : 1, 2. 68 : 8, 9, 25—27. 76 : 51. 84 : 27, 28, 64, 74. 
112 ; 29. d> 84 : 26—28. 124 : 39. 128 : 34. 



a, see a, Sec. 4. 



Vwjc 



SEC. XIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 109 

2. Behold, I am God, and give heed to my word, 
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged 
sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and 
marrow ; therefore give heed unto my word. 

3. Behold, the field is & white already to harvest, 
therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his 
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, 
that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salva- 
tion in the kingdom of God ; 

4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and 
reap, the same is called of God ; 

5. Therefore, if you will c ask of me you shall re- 
ceive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 

6. Seek to d bring forth and establish my Zion. 
Keep my commandments in all things ; 

7. And, if you keep my commandments and endure 
to the end, you shall have eternal life, which gift is 
the ^greatest of all the gifts of God. 

8. And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask 
the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall 
receive the Holy Ghost, which ^giveth utterance, that 
you may stand as a witness of the things of which you 
shall both #hear and see, and also that you may declare 
repentance unto this generation. 

9. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living 
God, who created the heavens and the earth ; a light 
which cannot be %id in darkness ; 

10. Wherefore, I must l *bring forth the fullness of 
my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel. 

11. And behold, thou art David, and thou art called 
to assist ; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye 



b, see &, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e, Sec. 6. e, see /, 

Sec. 6. /, 20 : 26. 24 : 5, 6. 25 : 7. 28 : 1. 33 : 8, 9. 34 : 10. 35 : 

18—20. 36 : 2, 3. 39 : 6. 42 : 13—16. 85 : 6. 88 : 137. 90 : 14. 100 : 
5 — 8. 124 : 97. g, David Whitmer heard the voice of God, and saw 

and heard the angel, and saw the golden Plates. h, the light shining 

among the Gentiles is hid in darkness, but when it goes to Israel, it will be 
seen in its brilliancy. i, 18 : 26. 19 : 27. 20 : 9. 21 : 12. 32 : 1, 2. 

38:33. 90:9. 107:34. 112:4. 133:8 



110 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XV., XVL 

shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and 
great shall be your reward. Amen. 



SECTION 15. 

Revelation given to John Whitmer, through Joseph, the 
Seer, in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829. 

1. Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the 
words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, 

2. For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and 
with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, 

3. And I will tell you that which no man knoweth 
save me and thee alone, 

4. For many times you have desired of me to know 
that which would be of the most worth unto you. 

5. Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for 
speaking my words which I have given you according 
to my commandments. 

6. And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing 
which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to de- 
clare repentance unto this people, that you may bring 
souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the 
kingdom of my Father. Amen. 



SECTION 16. 

Revelation given to Peter Whitmer, jun., through 
Joseph, the Seer, in Fayette, New York, June, 1829. 

1. Hearken my servant Peter, and listen to the 
words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, 

a, see h, Sec. 3. 



SEC. XVII.] commandments. Ill 

2. For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness 
and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, 

3. And I will tell you that which no man knoweth 
save me and thee alone, 

4. For many times you have desired of me to know 
that which would be of the most worth unto you. 

5. Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for 
speaking my words which I have given unto you ac- 
cording to my commandments. 

6. And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing 
which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to a de- 
clare repentance unto this people, that you may bring 
souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the 
kingdom of my Father. Amen. 



SECTION 17. 

Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Oliver 
Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, in 
Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829, 
given previous to their viewing the plates contain- 
ing tlie Book of Mormon. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon 
my word, which if you do, with full purpose of heart, 
you shall have a Mew of the plates, and also of the 
^breastplate, the c sword of Laban, the d Urim and Thum- 
mim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon 
the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, 
and the e miraculous directors which were given to Lehi 
while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea ; 

a, see h, Sec. 3. 



a, 5 : 15. Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon, n. Nep. 11. 
Ether 5:4. 6, a sacred plate, having a divine relationship to the 

Urim and Thummim. c, i. Nep. 4:9. 5 : 14. Jacob 1 : 10. Mos. 1 : 

16. d, 10 : 1. 17 : 1. 130 : 3, 9. Omni 1 : 20—22. Mos. 8 : 13—19. 

21 : 27, 28. 28 : 11—19. Alma 10 : 2. 37 : 21—26. Ether 3 : 23, 28. 4 : 5. 
e, i. Nep. 16: 10, 16, 26—30, 18: 12, 21, n. Nep. 5; 12. Alma 37: 38-47. 



112 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIIL 

2. And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a 
view of them, even by that faith which was had by the 
prophets of old. 

3. And after that you have obtained faith, and have 
seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by 
the power of God ; 

4. And this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, 
jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my 
righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work. 

5. And ye shall testify that you have seen them, 
even as my servant Joseph Smith, jun., has seen them, 
for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is 
because he had faith ; 

6. And he ^has translated the book, even that part 
which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and 
your God liveth it is true. 

7. Wherefore you have received the same power, 
and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him ; 

8. And if you do these last commandments of mine, 
which I have given you, #the gates of hell shall not 
prevail against you ; for my grace is sufficient for you, 
and you shall be ^lifted up at the last day. 

9. And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, 
have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my 
righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen. 



SECTION 18. 

Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., Oliver Cowdery, and 
David Whitmer, making known the calling of 
Twelve Apostles in these last days ; and, also, in- 
structions relative to Building up the Church of 
Christ, according to the fullness of the gospel. 
Given in Fayette, Neiv York, June, 1829. 

1. Now, behold, because of the thing which you, 

/, see I, See. 1. g } see I, Sec. 10. h, see u, Sec. 5. 



SEC. X VIII. J COMMANDMENTS. Il3 

my servant Oliver Cowdery, have desired to know of me, . 
I give unto you these words : 

2. Behold, I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit 
in many instances, that the things which you have 
wTitten are true ; wherefore you know that they are 
true ; 

3. And if you know that they are true, behold, I 
give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the 
things which are written ; 

4. For in them are all things written concerning 
the foundation of "rny church, my ^gospel, and my rock ; 

5. Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, 
upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the 
c gates of hell shall not prevail against you. 

6. Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity, and it 
must needs be that the children of men are stirred up 
unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house 
of Israel : 

7. Wherefore, as thou hast been ^baptized by the 
hands of my servant Joseph Smith, jun., according to 
that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled 
the thing which I commanded him. 

8. And now marvel not that I have called him unto 
mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me; 
wherefore, if he shall be diligent in keeping my com- 
mandments, he shall be blessed unto eternal life, and 
his name is Joseph, 

9. And now, Oliver Cowdery, I speak unto you, and 
also unto David Whitmer, by the way of command- 
ment ; for, behold, I command all men everywhere to 



a, see a, Sec. 1. 5, 18 : 4, 5, 17, 26, 28, 32. 19 : 27. 20 : 9. 24 : 
12. 25 : 1. 27 : 5, 13, 16. 28 : 8, 16. 29 : 4. 30 : 5, 9. 32 : 1. 33 : 2, 12. 
34 : 5. 35 : 12, 15, 17, 23. 36 : 1, 5. 37 : 2. 39 : 5, 6, 11, 18. 42 : 6, 11, 12, 39. 
45 : 28. 49 : 1—4. 50 : 14, 17—27. 52 : 9, 10. 53 : 3, 4. 57 : 10. 58 : 46, 
47, 63, 64. 60 : 13—15. 66 : 5-13. 68 : 8—12. 71 : 1—4. 76 : 14—70, 101. 
77 : 8. 80 : 1—5. 81 : 2—7. 84 : 19, 26, 27, 60—120. 88 : 77—85, 99, 103, 
104. 90 : 10, 11. 93 : 51. 99 : 1—8. 101 : 39. 106 : 2. 107 : 25, 35. 
108 : 6. 109 : 65. Ill : 12—16. 112 : 19—21, 28—34. 118 : 3, 4. 124 : 2— 
11, 88. 128 : 19. 133 : 36—39, 57. 134 : 12. 135 : 9. c, see l t Sec. 10. 
tf, as commanded of God, by the angel, John the Baptist. 

I 



114 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIII. 

repent, and I speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine 
apostle, for you are called even with that same calling 
with which he was called. 

10. Remember the worth of souls is great in the 
sight of God ; 

11. For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered 
death in the flesh ; wherefore he suffered the e pain of 
all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. 

12. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he 
might bring all men unto him, on conditions of ^re- 
pentance ; 

13. And how great is his joy in the soul that re- 
penteth. 

14. Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance 
unto this people ; 

15. And if it so be that you should labor all your 
days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, 
save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your 
joy with him in the kingdom of my Father ? 

16. And now, if your joy will be great with one 
soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom 
of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should 
bring many souls unto me ? 

17. Behold, you have my ^gospel before you, and 
my rock, and my salvation. 

18. A Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing 
that you shall receive, and you shall have the A 'Holy 
Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expe- 
dient unto the children of men. 

19. And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, 
you can do nothing. 

20. Contend against no church, save it be the •''church 
of the devil. . 

e t 86 : 41. 18 : 11. 19 ; 18. n. Nep. 9 : 5, 7, 21. Mos. 3 : 7, 14. 15 : 10. 
Alma 7 : 11—13. 11 : 40, 22 : 14. 34 ; 8—15. Hela. 14 : 15—17. m. Nep. 
9 : 22. 11 : 11, 14, 15. 27 : 14, 15. Mor. 9 : 13, 14. /, see h, Sec. 3. 
g, see &, Sec. 18. h, see c, Sec. 4. i, see m, Sec. 5. h 1 Nep. 
13 ; 5, 6, 26, 28, 32, 34. 14 ; 3, 9-17. ■ 



SEC. XVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 115 

21. Take upon you the *naine of Christ, and speak 
the truth in soberness ; 

22. And as many as Repent, and are ^baptized in 
my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, 
the same shall be saved. 

23. Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given 
of the Father, and there is none other name given 
whereby man can be saved ; 

24. Wherefore, all men must take upon them the 
name which is given of the Father, for in that name 
shall they be "called at the last day ; 

25. Wherefore, if they know not the name by 
which they are called, they cannot have place in the 
kingdom of my Father. 

26. And now, behold, there are others who are 
called to declare my gospel, °both unto Gentile and 
unto Jew ; 

27. Yea, even ^Twelve, and the Twelve shall be my 
disciples, and they shall take upon them my name ; 
and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon 
them my name with full purpose of heart ; 

28. And if they desire to take upon them my name 
with full purpose of heart, they are called to Qgo into 
all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature ; 

29. And they are they who are ordained of me 
to r baptize in my name, according to that which is 
written ; • 

30. And you have that which is" written before you ; 
wherefore you must perform it according to the words 
which are written. 

31. And now I speak unto you the Twelve — Be- 
hold, my grace is sufficient for you : you must walk 
uprightly before me and sin not. 

k, Mos. 5 : 9—14. 26 : 18, 24. Alma 5 : 38. 34 : 38. in. Nep. 27 : 5—9. 
Mor. 8 : 38. I, see h, Sec. 3. m, see I, Sec. 5. n, see k y 

Sec. 18. o, 18 : 26. 19 : 27. 21 : 12. 107 : 33. I. Nep. 13 : 42. Ether 

13: 12. #,18: 31-36. 20: 38—44. 84: 63,64. 95: 4. 107: 23—25/ 

112 : 1, 14, 21. 118. 124 : 127—130. . q, 107 : 23, 24, 33, 35, 38, 39, 58. 
112:1,14,21. 118. 124:127-130. r, see I, Sec. 5. - 



116 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIII. 

32. And, behold, you are they who are ordained of 
me to *ordain priests and teachers ; to declare my 
gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost 
which is in you, and according to the^callings and gifts 
of God unto men ; 

33. And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, 
have spoken it. 

34. These words are not of men, nor of man, but 
of me ; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me, 
and not of man ; 

35. For it is my voice which speaketh them unto 
you, for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by 
my power you can read them one to another, and save 
it were by my power, you could not have them ; 

36. Wherefore you can testify that you have heard 
my voice, and know my words. 

37. And now, behold, I give unto you Oliver 
Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you 
shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires 
of which I have spoken ; 

38. And by their desires and their works you shall 
know them ; 

39. And when you have found them you shall show 
these things unto them. 

40. And you shall fall down and worship the Father 
in my name ; 

41. And you must preach unto the world, saying, 
you must ^repent and be ^baptized, in the name of 
Jesus Christ ; 

42. For all men must repent and be baptized, and 
not only men, but women, and children who have 
arrived to the r years of accountability. 

43. And now, after that you have received this, 
you must keep my commandments in all things ; 

44. And by your hands I will work a ^marvelous 

T s, 20 : 60. Moro. 3 : 1—4. t, see A, Sec. 3. u, see l t Sec. 5. 

V, 29 ; 47. 78 ; 25—27. _ w, see a, Sec. 4. 



SEC. XIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 117 

work among the children of men, unto the convincing 
of many of their sins, that they may come unto re- 
pentance, and that they may come unto the kingdom 
of my Father ; 

45. Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you 
are *above all things. 

46. And after that you have received this, if you 
keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in 
the kingdom of my Father. 

47. Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your 
God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit 
have spoken it. Amen. 



SECTION 19. 

A Commandment of God, and not of Man, revealed 
through Joseph, the Beer, to Martin Harris, given 
{Manchester, New York, March, 1830) by Him 
who is eternal. 

1. I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord ; yea, 
even I am He, the beginning and the end, the Re- 
deemer of the world 

2. I, having accomplished and finished the will of him 
whose I am, even the Father, concerning me — having 
done this that I might subdue .all things unto myself — 

3. Retaining a all power, even to the ^destroying of 
Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the 
last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon 
the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according 
to his works and the deeds which he hath done. 

4. And surely every man must Repent or suffer, for 
I, God, am ^endless ; 

%, fullness of Celestial glory. 

a, 20 : 24. 49 : 6. 63 : 59. b, 29 : 27—30, 44, 45. i. John 3 : 8 

c, eee h t Sec. 3. d t vers. 10, 12. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1. 



118 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIX. 

5. "Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I 
shall pass, but woes shall go forth, ^weeping, wailing 
and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on 
my left hand ; 

6. Nevertheless it is not written that there shall be 
no end to this torment, but it is written ^endless tor- 
ment. 

7. Again, it is written ^eternal damnation ; where- 
fore it is more express than other scriptures, that it 
might work upon the hearts of the children of men, 
altogether for my name's glory ■ 

8. Wherefore I will explain unto you this mystery, 
for it is mete unto you to know even as mine apostles. 

9. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, 
even as one, that you may enter into my rest ; 

10. For, behold, the mystery of Godliness, how 
great is it ? for, behold, I am endless, and the punish- 
ment which is given from my hand, is A endless punish- 
ment, for endless is my name : wherefore — 

11. ^Eternal punishment is God's punishment. 

12. -^'Endless punishment is God's punishment. 

13. Wherefore I command you to repent, and keep 
the commandments which you have received by the 
hand of my servant Joseph Smith, jun., in my name ; 

14. And it is by my almighty power that you have 
received them ; 

15. Therefore I command you to repent — repent, 
lest I smite you by the -rod of my mouth, and by my 
wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore — 
how sore you know not ! how exquisite you know not ! 
yea, how hard to bear you know not ! 

16. For behold, I, God, %ave suffered these things 
for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent, 

e, 101: 91. 112:24. 124:8. 134:37. /, vers. 7, 10— 12. 63:77. 

76 : 33, 44, 45, 48. 78 : 12. 82 : 21. 104 : 9, 18. g, vers. 10, 11. 29 : 

44. 76 : 44. h, vers. 11, 12. 29 : 44. 76 : 44. t, ver. 10. Pearl of 

Great Price, p. 1. j, ver. 10. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1. Ic } see e, 

Sec. 18. 



Vwjc 



SEC. XIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 119 

17. But if they would not repent, they must suffer 
even as I, 

18. Which suffering caused myself, even God, the 
greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to 
*bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit : 
and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and 
shrink — 

19. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I par- 
took and finished my preparations unto the children of 
men ; 

20. Wherefore, I command you again to repent, 
lest I humble you with my almighty power, and that 
you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments 
of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, 
even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I 
withdrew my spirit. 

21. And I command you, that you preach nought 
but repentance, and show not these things unto the 
world until it is wisdom in me. 

22. For they cannot w bear meat now, but milk 
they must receive ; wherefore, they must not know 
these things lest they perish. 

23. Learn of me, and listen to my words ; walk in 
the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace 
in me. 

24. I am Jesus Christ ; I came by the will of the 
Father, and I do his will. 

25. And again, I command thee that thou shalt not 
w covet thy neighbor's wife ; nor seek thy neighbor's life. 

26. And again, I command thee that thou shalt 
not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to 
the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains 
the truth and the word of God, 

27. Which is my °word to the Gentile, that soon it 
may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a ^rem- 

l, see e, Sec. 18. m, 41 : 6. n, 42 : 24, 80. 43 : 16. 66 : 10. 

132 : 41, 63. o, see o, Sec. 18. p, Omni 1 : 14—19. Mos. 25 : 

2—4. Alma 22 : 30-32. Hela. 6 : 10. 8 : 21. 



120 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIX. 

nant, that they may believe the gospel, and look not 
for a Messiah to come who has already come. 

28. And again, I command thee that thou shalt 
pray vocally as well as in thy heart ; yea, before the 
world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private. 

29. And thou shalt declare ?glad tidings, yea, publish 
it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and 
among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see. 

30. And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting 
in me, reviling not against revilers. 

31. And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou 
shalt declare ^repentance and faith on the Saviour, 
and ^remission of sins by baptism and by 'fire, yea, even 
the Holy Ghost. 

32. Behold, this is a great and the last command- 
ment which I shall give unto you concerning this mat- 
ter ; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto 
the end of thy life. 

33. And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt 
slight these counsels ; yea, even the destruction of thy- 
self and property. 

34. Impart a portion of thy property ; yea, even 
part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family. 

35. Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the 
printer. Release thyself from bondage. 

36. Leave thy house and home, except when thou 
shalt desire to see thy family : 

37. And speak freety to all : yea, preach, exhort, 
declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound 
of rejoicing, crying — Hosanna, hosanna ! blessed be 
the name of the Lord God. 

38. w Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit 
upon you, and great shall be your blessing ; yea, even 
more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and 
corruptibleness to the extent thereof. 

q, see 5, Sec. 18. r, see h, Sec. 3. s, see h, Sec 3. 
f, see I, Sec. 5. u, see c, Sec 4. 



SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 121 

39. Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing 
and lifting up thy heart for gladness ? 

40. Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide? 

41. Or canst thou be humble and meek, and con- 
duct thyself wisely before me ? yea, come unto me thy 
Saviour. Amen. 



SECTION 20. 

Revelation on Church Government, given through Joseph 
the Prophet, in April, 1830. 

1. The a rise of the church of Christ in these last 
days, being 6 one thousand eight hundred and thirty 
years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and 
established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the 
will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, 
and on the c sixth day of the month which is called April ; 

2. Which commandments were given to Joseph 
Smith, jun., who was called of God, and ordained an 
d apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this 
church ; 

3. And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of 
God, an e apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder 
of this church, and ordained under his hand ; 

4. And this according to the grace of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now 
and for ever. Amen. 

5. After it was truly manifested unto this first 
elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he 
was entangled again in the vanities of the world ; 

a, see a, Sec. 1. &, A.D. 1830. 21 : 3. c, 21 : 3. 
d, 1 : 14. 20 : 2, 3. 21 : 1, 10. 27 : 12. 29 : 10, 12. 52 : 36. 63 : 21, 52. 
64 : 39. 66 : 2. 84 : 63, 64, 108. 95 : 4. 107 : 23, 33, 35. 112 : 12—16, 21, 
30. 124 : 127—129, 139. 133 : 55. 136 : 37. e, see d. 



122 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 

6. But after repenting, and humbling himself sin- 
cerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by 
an ^holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, 
and whose garments w r ere pure and white above all 
other whiteness ; 

7. And gave unto him commandments which in- 
spired him ; 

8. And gave him power from on high, by the ^means 
which were before prepared, to translate the Book of 
Mormon, 

9. Which contains a record of a fallen people, and 
the ^fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gen- 
tiles and to the Jews also, 

10. Which was given by inspiration, and is con- 
firmed to ^others by the ministering of angels, and is 
declared unto the world by them, 

11. Proving to the world that the Holy Scriptures 
are true, and that God does inspire men and call them 
to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as 
in generations of old, 

12. Thereby showing that he is the -?same God 
yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Amen. 

13. Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them 
shall the world be judged, even as many as shall here- 
after come to a knowledge of this work ; 

14. And those who receive it in faith, and work 
righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life ; 

15. But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, 
and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation, 

16. For the Lord God has spoken it ; and we, the 
elders of the church, have %eard and bear witness to 
the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to wiiom 
be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

/, 20 : 6, 12, 35. 76 : 67. 77 : 8—11. 84 : 26, 28, 88. 86 : 5. 88 : 92, 

94,99,103—112. 103:20. 110:11-13. 128:20. 130:5. 133:17,36. 

<7, see d, Sec. 17. h, see &, Sec. 18. i, see /, Sec. 5. j, ver. 17. 

8 : 12. 35 : 1. 38 : 1—4. 39: 1. 68 : 6. 76 : 4. k, 29 : 1. 128: 21. 
130 : 14. 



SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 123 

17. By these things we 'know that there is a God 
in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from "'everlasting 
to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer 
of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them ; 

18. And that he created man, male and female, after 
his "own image and in his own likeness, created he them, 

19. And gave unto them commandments that they 
should love and serve him, the only living and true 
God, and that he should be the only being whom they 
should worship. 

20. But by the transgression of these holy laws, man 
became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man. 

21. Wherefore the Almighty God gave his. Only 
Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which 
have been given of him. 

22. He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto 
them ; 

23. He was °crucified, died, and ^rose again the third 
day; 

24. And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the 
right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power 
according to the will of the Father, 

25. That as many as would ^believe and be r baptized 
in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end ; should 
be saved : 

26. Not only those who believed after he came in 
the ^meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from 
the beginning, even as many as were before he came, 
who believed, in the words of the holy prophets, who 
spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy 
Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should 
have eternal life, 

l, 5 : 11-14, 25, 26. 76: 22, 23. 88: 49. 93: 11—17. 110: 2, 3. 121: 28. 
128 : 23. 133 : 3. m, see a, Sec. 39. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 17, 19. 
w, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 5, 6, 13, 34. Ether 3 : 16. o, 18 : 11. 21: 9. 
34 : 3. 35 : 2. 45 : 4, 52. 76 : 41. p, 18 : 12. 45 : 52. 133 : 55. 
q, 19 : 23, 24, 31. 20 : 29. 34 : 34. 35 : 2. 38 : 4. 42 : 1. 45 : 5, 8. 49 : 
5, 12. 76 : 51. 86 : 50—52, 74, 89. 112 : 19. r, see I, Sec. 5. 
8, 39 : 3. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 16, 20. r, 21 : 2. 6 : 10—12. 8 : 2—4. 
11 : 10—21. 18: 33—35. 20 : 10, 11, 26. 21 : 2. 24 : 5. Ill : 8. 124 : 4, 5. 



124 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 

27. As well as those who should come after, who 
should believe in the w gifts and callings of God by the 
Holy Ghost, which ^beareth record of the Father, and 
of the Son ; 

28. Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are "'one 
God, ^infinite and eternal, without end. Amen. 

29. And we 2/know that all men must repent and 
believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the 
Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to 
the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. 

30. And we z knowthat justification through thegrace 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true ; 

31. And we 2a know also, that sanctification through 
the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just 
and true to all those who love and serve God with all 
their mights, minds, and strength. 

32. But there is a possibility that man may 2 6 f all 
from grace and depart from the living God ; 

33. Therefore let the church take heed and pray 
always, lest they fall into temptation ; 

34. Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take 
heed also. 

35. And we 2c know that these things are true and 
according to the revelations of John, neither 2d adding 
to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book, the 
Holy Scriptures, or the revelations of God, which shall 
come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy 
Ghost, the voice of God, or the ministering of angels. 

36. And the Lord God has spoken it ; and honor, 
power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name, both 
now and ever. Amen. 

37. And again, by way of 2e 'commandment to the 

u, 5 : 31. 6 : 10—13, 27, 28. 8 : 4—8. 10 : 2, 18. 11 : 10. 14 : 7. 18 : 32. 

20 : 27, 60. 136 : 37. y, 1 : 39. 42 : 17. 76 : 23, 26. w, ilma 

11 : 44. in. Nep. 11 : 27, 28, 36. 28 : 10. Mor. 7 : 7. x, 20 : 12, 17. 

29 : 1, 33. 38 : 1. 39 : 1. 45 : 7. 76 : 4. 121 : 32. y, see I. 

z, see I. 2a, see I. 2 b, 85 : 2, 11. 130 : 23. 2 c, see I. 
2d, 68 : 34. 93 : 24, 25. 124 : 120. 2 e, 15 : 6. 16 : 6. 18 : 27. 
20 : 37, 72. 33 : 11. 49 : 12, 13. 76 : 51, 52. 84 : 76. 



6EC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 125 

\ church concerning the manner of baptism. — All those 
who humble themselves before God, and desire to be 
' baptized and come forth with broken hearts and con- 
| trite spirits, and witness before the church that they 
have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to 
take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a 
determination to serve him to the end, and truly mani- 
fest by their works that they have received of the 
Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall 
be received by baptism into his church. 

38. The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, 
and members of the church of Christ. — An 2 ^apostle is 
an elder, and it is his calling to 2 ^baptize. 

39. And to 2A ordain other elders, priests, teachers, 
and deacons, 

40. And to administer 2 ^read and wine — the em- 
blems of the flesh and blood of Christ — 

41. And to ^'confirm those who are baptized into 
the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism 
of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures ; 

42. And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and 
watch over the church ; 

43. And to confirm the church by the laying on of 
the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost, 

44. And to take the lead of all meetings. 

45. The elders are to conduct the meetings as they 
are 27 4ed by the Holy Ghost, according to the com- 
mandments and revelations of God. 

46. The priest's 2 *duty is to preach, teach, expound, 
exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament, 

47. And visit the house of each member, and ex- 
hort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to 
all family duties ; 

2/, vers. 2, 3, 5, 16, 38. 21 : 1, 11, 12. 105 : 27. 2g, 18 : 29. 
2 h, 18 : 32. 2 i, vers. 68, 69, 75—79. 27 : 2—5. 2 j, ver. 43. 
33 : 11. 34 : 15. 35 : 6. 39 : 6, 23. 52 : 10. 53 : 3. 55 : 1—3. 68 : 25. 
2 k, 46 : 2. i. Nep. 13 : 37. Moro. 6:9. 2,1. vers. 46—52. 84 : 111. 
107; 20,01. ." 



126 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 

48. And he may also 2 ™ordain other priests, 
teachers, and deacons. 

49. And he is to take the lead of meetings when 
there is no elder present ; 

50. But when there is an elder "present, he is only 
to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, 

51. And visit the house of each member, exhorting 
them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all 
family duties. 

52. In all these duties the priest is to 2n assist the 
elder if occasion requires. 

53. The teacher's duty is to 2o watch over the church 
always, and be with and strengthen them, 

54. And see that there is no iniquity in the church 
— neither hardness with each other— neither lying, 
backbiting, nor evil speaking ; 

55. And see that the church meet together often, 
and also see that all the members do their duty ; 

56. And he is to take the lead of meetings in the 
absence of the elder or priest — 

57. And is to be ^assisted always, in all his duties 
in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires ; 

58. But neither teachers nor deacons have authority 
to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands : 

59. They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, 
and teach and invite all to come unto Christ. 

60. Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to ba 
2 2ordained according to the gifts and callings of God 
unto him ; and he is to be ordained by the 2r power of. 
the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him. 

61. The several elders, composing this church of 
Christ are to meet in 25 conference once in three months, 
or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or 
appoint ; 

2 m, he cannot ordain to an office higher than that of a Priest. 2 w, 107 : 

5, 14. ' 2 o, 84 : 111. 2p, 84 : 111. 2 q, 18 : 32. Moro. 

3 : 1—4. 2r, 18 : 32. Moro. 3 ; 1-4. 2 s, ver. 62. 



|gEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 127 

62. And said conferences are to do whatever church 
[business is necessary to be done at the time. 

63. The elders are to receive their 2 licenses from 
I other elders, by 2w vote of the church to which they 
I belong, or from the conferences. 

64. Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained 
by a priest may take a certificate from him at the time, 
which certificate when presented to an elder, shall en- 
title him to a 2l; license, which shall authorize him to 
perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it 
from a conference. 

*65. No person is to be ordained to any office in 
this church, where there is a regularly organized branch 
of the same, without the 2w Vote of that church ; 

66. But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, 
High Counselors, High Priests, and elders, may have 
the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of 
the church that a 2a vote may be called. 

67. Every President of the High Priesthood (or 
presiding elder), bishop, High Counselor, and High 
Priest, is to be ordained by the 2 ^direction of a High 
Council or general conference. 

68. The duty of the members after they are received 
by baptism. — The elders or priests are to have a suffi- 
cient time to expound all things concerning the church 
of Christ to their understanding, 22 previous to their 
partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the 
laying on of the hands of the elders, so that all things 
may be done in order. 

69. And the members shall manifest before the 
church, and also before the elders, by a Godly walk 
and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that 
there may be works and faith agreeable to the Holy 
Scriptures — walking in holiness before the Lord. 



2 1, ver. 64. 2 u, vers. 65, 66. 26 : 2. 104 : 64, 71, 72, 76. 

2 0, yer. 63. 2w, see 2 u, Sec. 20. 2 x, see 2w, Sec. 20. 2?/, 68 : 

15-21. 102:1-3. 107:22,91,92. 118:1. 2*, ver. 69. 46:4—6. 59:12. 
* Verses 65, 06, and 67 were added sometime after the others. 



128 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 

70. Every member of the church of Christ 3a having 
children, is to bring them unto the elders before the 
church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the 
name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. 

71. No one can be received into the church of Christ, 
unless he has arrived unto the 3& years of accountability 
before God, and is capable of repentance. 

72. 3c Baptism is to be administered in the following 
manner unto all those who repent : — 

73. The person who is called of God, and has autho- 
rity from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into 
the water with the person who has presented him or 
herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her 
by name — Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, 
I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

74. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, 
and come forth again out of the water. 

p^ 75. It is expedient that the church 3<f meet together 
often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance 
of the Lord Jesus ; 

76. And the elder or priest shall administer it ; and 
after this 3e manner shall he administer it — he shall 
kneel with the church and call upon the Father in 
solemn prayer, saying — 

77. God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the 
name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify 
this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, 
that they may eat in remembrance of the body of 
thy Son, and witness unto thee, God, the eternal 
Father, that they are willing to take upon them the 
name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep 
his commandments which he has given them, that they 
may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 

Sa, Mat. 19: 13—15. Mark 10: 13—16. m. Nep. 17: 12—24. 26: 14, 1& 
3&, see y, Sec. 68. 3 c, 5 : 16. 20 : 73, 74. 76 : 51. 128 : 12, 13. 

3 d, in. Nep. 48': 1—14, 28—30. in. Nep. 20 : 8. Mor. 9 : 29. Moro. 6 : a 
3e, Mora 4: 1-3. ...... - - 



SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 129 

78. The ^manner of administering the wine. He 
shall take the cup also, and say — 

79. God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the 
name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify 
this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that 
they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy 
Son, which was shed for them ; that they may witness 
unto thee, God, the eternal Father, that they do 
always remember him, that they may have his Spirit 
to be with them. Amen. 

80. Any member of the church of Christ ^trans- 
gressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with 
as the scriptures direct. 

81. It shall be the duty of the several churches 
composing the church of Christ, to send sh one or more 
of their teachers to attend the several conferences held 
by the elders of the church, 

82. With a 3 *list of the names of the several 
members uniting themselves with the church since 
the last conference, or send by the hand of some priest, 
so that a regular list of all the names of the whole 
church may be kept in a book by one of the elders, 
whoever the other elders shall appoint from time to 
time ; 

83. And also if any have been expelled from the 
church, so that their names may be ^blotted out of the 
general church record of names. 

84. All members removing from the church where 
they reside, if going to a church where they are not 
known, may 3 *take a letter, certifying that they are 
regular members and in good standing, which certificate 
may be signed by any elder or priest, if the member 
receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the 
elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or 
deacons of the church. 



3/, Moro. 5 : 1, 2. Zg, 42 : 80, 81. Mos. 26 : 29—32. Zh, vers. 

61, 62. 3 i, 85 : 3—5. 3 j, 85 : 3-5, 11, 12. 3 k, 72 : 17, 

18,19,25,26. 

K 



130 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXI. 



SECTION 21. 

Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., given at Fayette, New 
York, April 6, 1830. 

1. Behold there shall be a ^record kept among you, 
and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a 
prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the 
church through the will of God the Father, and the 
grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, 

2. Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the 
foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most 
holy faith, 

3. Which church was organized and established in 
the vear of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, 
in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the 
month, which is called April. 

4. Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give 
heed unto all his words and commandments which he 
shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in 
all holiness before me ; 

5. For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine 
own mouth, in all patience and faith ; 

6. For by doing these things the Agates of hell 
shall not prevail against you ; yea, and the Lord God 
will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, 
and cause the heavens *to shake for your good, and his 
name's glory. 

7. For thus saith the Lord God, him have I inspired 
to move the cause of ^Zion in mighty power for good, 
and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard. 

8. Yea his weeping for #Zion I have seen, and I will 
cause that he shall mourn for her no longer, for his days 





a, 


47: 


1, 


3,4. 


69 


: 3—8 


85. 




&i 


ver 


7. 


20 


26. 






e, A.D. 


1830. 


20: 


1. 






d, see 


1, Sec. 


10, 




e, 


21; 


6. 


29: 


23, 


24. 


43 : 18. 


45: 


22 


,48 




49: 


23. 


133: 


49, 69. 






f, 


see e 


, Sec. 6, 






g, see 


Sec. 


H 

































SEC. XXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 131 

of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and 
the manifestations of my blessings upon his works. 

9. For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in 
my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall 
believe on his words, which are given him through me by 
the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was cruci- 
fied by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for 
the remission of sins unto the contrite heart. 

10. Wherefore it behoveth me that he should be 
^ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery, mine apostle ; 

11. This being an ordinance unto you, that you are 
an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, 
that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, 
bearing my name, 

12. And the *first preacher of this church unto the* 
church, and before the world, yea, before the -^'Gentiles ; 
yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo ! to the *Jews 
also. Amen. 



SECTION 22. 

Revelation to the Church of Christ, which was estab- 
lished in these last days, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and thirty, given through 
Joseph, the Seer, in Manchester, New York, April, 
1830, in consequence of some desiring to unite with 
the Church without re-baptism, who had previously 
been baptized. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, that all a old covenants 
have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this 
is a & new and an everlasting covenant, even that which 
was from the beginning. 

h, see d, Sec. 5. L vers. 10. 11. 28 : 8. j, ver. 11. 

k 28 ' 8 ■ 

a, Isa. 24 : 5, 6. in. Ncp. 12: 46, 47. m. Nep. 9: 17. &, see k, Sec. 1. 



132 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIII, 

2. Wherefore, although a man should be baptized 
an hundred times, it availeth him nothing, for you can- 
not enter in at the straight gate by the law of Moses, 
neither by your dead works ; 

3. For it is because of your dead works, that I have 
caused this c last covenant and this ^church to be built 
up unto me, even as in days of old. 

4. Wherefore, enter ye in at the e gate, as I have 
commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen. 



SECTION 23. 

Revelation to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel 
H. Smith, Joseph Smith, sen., and Joseph Knight, 
sen., given through Joseph, the Seer, in Manchester, 
New York, April, 1830. 

1. Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. 
Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemna- 
tion. But beware of pride, lest thou shouidst enter into 
temptation. 

2. Make known thy calling unto the church, and 
also before the world, and thy heart shall be opened to 
preach the truth from henceforth and forever. Amen. 

3. Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words : 
for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart 
is opened, and thy a tongue loosed ; and thy calling is 
to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continu- 
ally. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church for ever, 
and this because of thy family. Amen. 

4. Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel, 

c, see k, Sec. 1. d, see a. Sec. 1. e, n. Nep. 9 : 41. 31 : 9, 

17, 18. 33 : 9. Alma 37 : 44, 45. Hela. 3 : 29, 30. ni. Nep. 14 : 13, 14. 



a, ni. Nep. 26 : 14, 16. 



gEC. XXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 133 

for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy call- 
ing is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church, 
and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. 
Amen. 

5. Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph, 
for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy call- 
ing also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church, 
and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever. 
Amen. 

6. Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by 
these words, that you must take up your cross, in the 
which you must & pray vocally before the world as well 
as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, 
and in all places. 

7. And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the 
true church, and give your language to exhortation 
continually, that you may receive the reward of the 
laborer. Amen. 



SECTION 24. 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cow- 
dery, in Harmony, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania^ 
July, 1830. 

1. Behold, thou wast called and chosen to write the 
Book of Mormon, and to my ministry ; and I have 
lifted thee up out of thy afflictions, and have counseled 
thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine 
enemies, and thou hast been delivered from the powers 
of Satan and from darkness ! 

2. Nevertheless thou art not excusable in thy trans- 
gressions ; nevertheless, go thy way and sin no more. 

3. Magnify thine office ; and after thou hast sowed 

fc, Alma 33; 3— U. 



134 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIV, 

thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the 
church which is in Colesville, Fayette and Manchester, 
and they shall support thee ; and I will bless them 
both spiritually and temporally ; 

4. But if they receive thee not, I will send upon 
them a "cursing instead of a blessing. 

5. And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in 
my name, and ^writing the things which shall be given 
thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures 
unto the church ; 

6. And it shall be given thee in the very moment 
what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, 
or I will send unto them a c cursing instead of a blessing. 

7. For thou shalt devote all thy service in d Zion ; 
and in this thou shalt have strength. 

8. Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have e many ; 
but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto tne 
end of thy days. 

9. And in temporal labors thou shalt not have 
strength, for this is not thy calling. Attend to thy 
calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify 
thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue 
in ^laying on of the hands and confirming the churches. 

10. And thy brother Oliver shall continue in bear- 
ing my name before the world, and also to the church. 
And he shall not suppose that he can say enough in my 
cause ; and lo, I am with him to the end. 

11. In me he shall have glory, and not of himself, 
whether in weakness or in strength, whether in bonds 
or free, 

12. And at all times, and in all places, he shall open 
his mouth and declare my ^gospel as with the voice of 
a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto 
him strength such as is not known among men. 

a, vers. 6, 15, 18, 19. 84 : 92—95. 75 : 19—22. b, many Revela- 
tions given at sundry times. c, see a. d t see e, Sec. 6. e, ful- 
filled from that time, until his martyrdom, /, see 2j, Sec. 20. 
f/, see b, Sec. 18. 



SEC. XXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 135 

13. ^Require not miracles, except I shall command 
you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and 
against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons ; 

14. And these things ye shall not do, except it be 
required of you by them who desire it, that the scrip- 
tures might be fulfilled ; for ye shall do according to 
that which is written. 

15. And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and 
they receive you not in my name, ye shall leave a curs- 
ing instead of a blessing, by ^casting off the dust of your 
feet against them as a testimony, and cleansing your 
feet by the wayside. 

16. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall 
lay their hands upon you by violence, ye shall command 
to be smitten in my name : and, behold, I will smite 
them according to your words, in mine own due time. 

17. And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall 
be cursed by the law. 

18. And thou shalt take no ?purse nor scrip, neither 
staves, neither two coats, for the church shall give unto 
thee in the very hour what thou needest for food and 
for raiment, and for shoes and for money, and for scrip : 

19. For thou art called to *prune my vineyard with 
a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time. Yea, 
and also all those whom thou hast ^ordained, and they 
shall do even according to this pattern. Amen. 



SECTION 25. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, 
Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, July, 1830. 

1. Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, 

h, Great miracles to be wrought only by command. i, see a. 

j, 60 : 15. 75 : 18—22. 84 : 78-80. k, 31 : 45. 33 : 3, 4. 39 : 17. 

43 : 28. 6 : 3, 4. 11 : 3. 21 : 9. Jacob 5 : 61—74. I, Sec. 24, as a 
pattern. 



136 



COVENANTS AND 



[sec. XXV. 



while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter, for 
verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel 
are a sons and daughters in my kingdom. 

2. A revelation I give unto you concerning my will, 
and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue 
before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt re- 
ceive an inheritance in 6 Zion. 

3. Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art 
an elect lady, whom I have called. 

4. Murmur not because of the things which thou 
hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from 
the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come. 

5. And the office of thy calling shall be for a com- 
fort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, jun., thy husband, 
in his afflictions with consoling words, in the spirit of 
meekness. 

6. And thou shalt go with him at the time of his 
going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no 
one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, 
Oliver^Cowdery, whithersoever I will. 

7. And thou shalt be ordained under his hand ta 
expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according 
as it shall be given thee by my Spirit : 

8. For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou 
shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be 
given to writing, and to learning much. 

9. And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall 
support thee in the church ; for unto them is his call- 
ing, that all things might be revealed unto them, what- 
soever I will, according to their faith. 

10. And verily I say unto thee, that thou shalt lay 
aside the things of this world, and seek for the things 
of a better. 

11. And it shall be given thee, also, to make a c selec- 

a, 11 : 30. 34 : 3. 35 : 2. 39 : 4. 42 : 52. 45 : 8. 50 : 41. 58 : 17. 
76 : 24, 58. 121 : 7. b, 38 : 19. 45 : 65. 52 : 2, 5, 42. 55 : 5. 57 : 
5, 7. 8, 15. 58 : 17, 28, 36, 38, 40, 44, 51, 53. 63 : 29, 31, 48, 49. 64 : 30. 70: 
16. 72:17. 85:1—3,7,9,11. 99:7. 101:1,6,18. 103:11,14, 
c, i. Cor. 14 : 26. Eph. 5 : 19. Colos. 3 : 16. 



SEC. XXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 137 

tion of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which 
is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church ; 

12. For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart, 
yea, the d song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and 
it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. 

13. Wherefore lift up thy heart and rejoice, and 
cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. 

14. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware 
of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the 
glory which shall come upon him. 

15. Keep my commandments continually, and a 
crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except 
thou do this, where I am you cannot come. 

16. And verily, verily I say unto you, that this is 
my voice unto all. Amen. 



SECTION 26. 

Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jan., Oliver Cowdery, and 
John Whitmer, given in Harmony, Pennsylvania, 
July, 1830. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, that you shall let your 
time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and 
to preaching, and to confirming the church at Coles- 
ville, and to performing your labors on the land, such 
as is required, until after you shall go to the west to 
hold the next conference ; and then it shall be made 
known what you shall do. 

2. And all things shall be done by ^common con- 
sent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all 
things you shall receive by faith. Amen. 

d, see c 



a, see 2w, Sec. 20. 



COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXVII. 



SECTION 27. 

The first four verses of the following Bevelation, were 
given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, Penn., 
August, 1830, and the remainder in Fayette, Neio 
York, September, 1830. 

1. Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, 
your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is a quick 
and powerful. 

2. For, behold, I say unto you, that it foattereth 
not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye 
partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with 
an eye single to my glory ; remembering unto the 
Father my body which was laid down for you, and my 
blood which was shed for the remission of your sins : 

3. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, 
that you c shall not purchase wine, neither strong drink 
of your enemies : 

4. Wherefore, you shall partake of none, except it 
is made new among you ; yea, in this my Father's 
kingdom which shall be built up on the earth. 

5. Behold, this is wisdom in me : wherefore, marvel 
not, for the hour cometh that I will d drink of the fruit 
of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, 
whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mor- 
mon, containing the dullness of my everlasting gospel, 
to whom I have committed the keys of the record of 
the Astick of Ephraim ; 

6. And also with #Elias, to whom I have committed 
the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all 
things, spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets 
since the world began, concerning the last days : 

a, 6 : 2. 11 : 2. 12 : 2. 14 : 2. 15 : 2. 16 : 2. b, vers. 3, 4, 5. 

89 : 5, 6. c, 89 : 4, 5. d y vers. 6—14. Mat. 26 : 29. Mark 14 : 

25. Luke 22 : 18. e, see &, Sec. 18. /, Mor. 8 : 14. Moro. 

10 : 2. g, ver. 7. 76 : 100. 77 : 9, 14. 110 ; 12. 



SEC. XXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 139 

7. And also Mohn the son of Zacharias, which Zacha- 
rias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should 
nave a son, and his name should be John, and he should 
be tilled with the spirit of Elias ; 

8. Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, 
Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you 
unto this ^first priesthood which you have received, that 
you might be called and ordained even as Aaron : 

9. And also ^'Elijah, unto whom I have committed 
the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the 
fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children 
to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten 
with a curse : 

10. And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and 
Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain ; 

11. And also with ^Michael, or Adam, the father of 
all, the prince of all, the ancient of days. 

12. And also with Peter, and James, and John, *whom 
I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you 
and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses 
of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and 
of the same things which I revealed unto them : 

13. Unto whom I have committed the keys of my 
kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the m last 
times ; and for the ^fullness of times, in the which I 
will gather together in °one all things, both w r hich are 
in heaven, and which are on earth : 

14. And also with all those whom my Father hath 
given me out of the world : 

15. Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and 
gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, 
that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having 
done all ye may be able to stand. 

16. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about 

h, Sec. 13. 27 : 8. i, see Sec. 2. j, see Sec. 2. k, 29 : 

26, 36, 40, 42. 78 : 16. 84 : 16. 88 : 112—115. 107 : 54—56. 116: 1. 128: 

18, 20, 21. I, see d, Sec. 5. m, 64 : 30, 37. 77 : 15. n, 76; 

106. 77 : 12. 110 ; 14. 112 : 30. 124 : 41. o, 29 : 11. 84 ; 100. 



140 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXVIIt 

with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, 
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of 
peace, which I have ^sent mine angels to commit unto 
you, 

17. Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall 
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ; 

18. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword 
of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my 
word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touch- 
ing all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful 
until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I 
am ye shall be also. Amen. 



SECTION 28. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Oliver 
Cowdery, in Fayette, New York, September, 1830. 

1. Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be 
given unto thee, that thou shalt be heard by the church 
in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the 
Comforter, concerning the revelations and command- 
ments which I have given. 

2. But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, a no 
one shall be appointed to receive commandments and 
revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph 
Smith, jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses ; 

3. And thou shall be obedient unto the things which 
I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faith- 
fully the commandments and the revelations, with 
power and authority unto the church. 

4. And if thou art led at any time by the Com- 
91, vers. 5—14. 128 : 19—21. Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of 

Mormon, 

a, vers. 12, 13. 43 : 3-0 ; 



SEC. XXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 141 

forter, to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of 
commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it. 

5. But thou shalt not write by way of command- 
ment, but by wisdom : 

6. And thou shalt not command him who is at thy 
head, and at the head of the church, 

7. b Foi I have given him the keys of the mysteries, 
and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall ap^ 
point unto them another in his stead. 

8. And now, behold, I say unto you, that you shall 
go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto 
them ; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings, 
thou shalt cause c my church to be established among 
them, and thou shalt have revelations, but write them 
not by way of commandment. 

9. And now, behold, I say unto you, that it is not 
revealed, and no man knoweth where ^the city shall be 
built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold, I say 
unto you, that it shall be on the borders by the La- 
manites. 

10. Thou shalt not leave this place until after the 
conference, and my servant Joseph shall be appointed 
to preside over the conference by the voice of it, and 
what he saith to thee thou shalt tell. 

11. And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram 
Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that 
those things which he hath ^written from that stone, 
are not of me, and that Satan deceiveth him ; 

12. For, behold, these things have not been ap- 
pointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed 
unto any of this church contrary to the church cove- 
nants. 

13. For all things must be done in order, and 
by ^common consent in the church, by the prayer of 
faith. 

b, 35 : 18. 42 : 65. 43 : 4. 64 : 5. 76 : 114. 90 : 2—8. 107 : 18, 19. 
112 : 15. c, see a, Sec. 1. d t see q, Sec. 42. e, Satan'3 

deception detected. f, see 2 u % Sec. 20. 



142 COVENANTS AND \<TX\ XXIX. 

14. And thou shalt assist to settle all these things 
according to the covenants of the church before thou 
shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites. 

15. And it shall be given thee from the time thou 
shalt go, until the time thou shalt return, what thou 
shalt do. 

16. And thou must open thy mouth at all times, 
declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen. 



SECTION 29. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in the pre- 
sence of six Elders, in Fayette, New York, Septem- 
ber, 1830. 

1. Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Re- 
deemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath 
atoned for your sins ; 

2. Who will a gather his people even as a hen 
gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many 
as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves 
before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer. 

3. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this 
time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive 
these things ; but remember to sin no more, lest perils 
shall come upon you. 

4. Verily, I say unto you, that ye are chosen out of 
the world to declare my gospel with the sound of 
rejoicing, as with the 6 voice of a trump : 

5. Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your 
midst, and am your advocate w r ith the Father ; and it 
is his good will to give you the kingdom ; 

a, see j, Sec. 10. b } 33 : 2. 34 : 6. 3G : 1. 42 : C. 



Ma XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 143 

6. And as it is written, c Whatsoever ye shall ask in 
faith, being united in prayer according to my command, 
ye shall receive ; 

7. And ye are called to bring to pass the ^gathering 
of mine elect, for mine elect hear my voice and harden 
not their hearts ; 

8. Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the 
Father, that they shall be gathered in unto e one place 
upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and 
be prepared in all things against the day when ^tribula- 
tion and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked ; 

9. For the #hour is nigh, and the day soon at hand 
when the earth is ripe : and all the proud, and they 
that do wickedly, shall be as stubble, and I will ^burn 
them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall 
not be upon the earth ; 

10. For the hour is nigh, and that which was spoken 
by mine apostles must be fulfilled ; for as they spoke so 
shall it come to pass ; 

11. For I will reveal l myself from heaven with 
power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and 
dwell in righteousness with men on earth a ^thousand 
years, and the wicked shall not stand. 

12. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it 
hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the 
Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with 
me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my 
right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, 
being clothed with robes of righteousness, with ^crowns 
upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the 
whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me 
and kept my commandments, and none else ; 

13. For a *trump shall sound both long and loud, 
even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, 



c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see j, Sec. 10. e, see d. /, see 

/ and g, Sec. 1. a, see b, Sec. 4. h, see i, Sec. 1. i, see e, 
Sec. 1. j, see e, Sec. 1. Rev. 20 : 4—6. k, Mat. 19 : 28. Luke 
22 : 30. I, 20 : 13. 43 : 13. 88 : 98, 90. 



144 COVENANTS AND [SEG. XXIX, 

and they shall come forth : yea, ™even the dead which 
died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to 
be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we 
may be one. 

14. But, behold, I say unto you, that before this 
great day shall come, the n sun shall be darkened and 
the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall 
fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in 
heaven above, and in the earth beneath ; 

15. And there shall be °weepingand wailing among 
the hosts of men ; 

16. And there shall be a ^great hailstorm sent 
forth to destroy the crops of the earth ; 

17. And it shall -come to pass, because of the 
wickedness of the world, that I will take ^vengeance 
upon the wicked, for they will not repent ; for the cup 
of mine indignation is full ; for behold my blood shall 
not cleanse them if they hear me not. 

18. Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth r flies 
upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of 
the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and 
shall cause maggots to come in upon them ; 

19. And their tongues shall be staid that they shall 
not utter against me ; and their flesh shall fall from off 
their bones, and their eyes from their sockets : 

20. And it shall come to pass that the 5 beasts of 
the forest, and the fowls of the air shall devour them up ; 

21. And that great and ^abominable church, which 
is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by de- 
vouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of 
Ezekiel the prophet, who spoke of these things, which 
have not come to pass, but surely must, as I live, for 
abominations shall not reign. 

22. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, that 

m, 45 : 45, 46. 76 : 50—64. 79 : 21. 88 : 96, 97. 133 : 56. n, 34 : 

9. 45:42. 8S: 87. 133:49. o, see e, Sec. 19. #,43:25. 63:6. 

88 : 89, 90. Ezek. 38 : 22. q, see / and <j, Sec. 1. r, Zech. 14 : 

12. Isaiah 18: 6. s, Isaiah 18: 6. Rev. 19: 17, IS. Ezek. 39: 17 -20. 

t t see ;*, Sec. 18. Ezek. 3S : 22. 



I HKX XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 145 

when the "thousand years are ended, and men again 
begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth 
but for a little season ; 

23. And the end shall come, and the heaven and 
the earth shall be ^consumed and pass away, and there 
shall be a new ^heaven and a new earth, 

24. For all *old things shall pass away, and all 
things shall become new, even the heaven and the 
earth, and all the fullness thereof, both men and beasts, 
the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea ; 

25. And not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, 
for it is the workmanship of mine hand. 

26. But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the 
earth shall pass away, ^Michael, mine archangel, shall 
sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, 
for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come 
forth ; yea, even all. 

27. And the righteous shall be gathered on my 
right hand unto eternal life ; and the wicked on 
my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the 
Father ; 

28. Wherefore I will say unto them — depart from 
me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the 
devil and his angels. 

29. And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any 
time, have I declared from mine own mouth that they 
should return, for where I am they cannot come, for 
they have no power ; 

30. But remember that all my judgments are not 
given unto men : and as the words have gone forth 
out of my mouth, even so shall they be fulfilled, that 
the 2a first shall be last, and that the last shall be first 
in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of 
my power, which is the power of my Spirit ; 

u, 88 : 101, 110—115. Rev. 20 : 3—9. v, Rev. 20 : 11. Ether 13 : 9. 

w, Rev. 21 : 1—5. Ether 13 : 8, 9. x, 77 : 2—4. Rev. 21 : 5, 6. 

Ether 13 : 8, 9. y, 76 : 85. 88 : 100, 101. " Z, verB. 29, 30, 41. 

Matt. 25 : 41. 2 a, ver. 32. 



14G COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIX. 

31. For by the power of my Spirit created I them ; 
yea, all things both spiritual and temporal : 

32. Firstly, spiritual — secondly, temporal, which is 
the 26 beginning of my work ; and again, firstly, tem- 
poral — and secondly, spiritual, which is the last 2c of 
my work : 

33. Speaking unto you that you may naturally un- 
derstand, but unto myself my works have no end, 
neither beginning ; but it is given unto you that ye 
may understand, because ye have asked it of me and 
are agreed. 

34. Wherefore, verily I say unto you, that all things 
unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given 
unto you a law which was temporal ; neither any man, 
nor the children of men j neither Adam, your father, 
whom I created. 

35. Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an 
agent unto himself ; and I gave unto him command- 
ment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, 
for my commandments are spiritual ; they are not 
natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual. 

36. And it canie to pass, that Adam being tempted 
of the devil (for, behold, the 2d devil was before Adam, 
for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, 
which is my power :- and also a 2e third part of the hosts 
of heaven turned he away from me because of their 
agency ; 

37. And they were 2 ^thrust down, and thus came 
the devil and his angels. 

38. And, behold, there is a place prepared for them 
from the beginning, which place is 2 #hell : 

39. And it must needs be that the devil should 
tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents 

25, ver. 30. 2 c, ver. 30. 2d, 76 : 25—28. Pearl of Great 

Price, p. 7. 2 c, Pearl of Great Price, p. 32. 2/, 76 : 25—30. 

Pearl of Great Price, p. 7. Jude 1:6. 2 a, ver. 28. 76 : 33, 36, 44— 

48, 84, 105, 106. 77 : 8. 88 : 113, 114. Pearl of Great Price, p. 14. I. Nep. 
15 : 29, 35. ii. Nep. 1 : 3. ' 2 : 29. 9 : 8—19, 26, 34, 36. 28 : 15, 21, 23. 
Jacob 6 : 10. Alma 12 ; 16-18. ' in. Nep. 27 : 11, 12. More 8 : 13, 14, 21. 



SEC. XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 14*7 

unto themselves, for if they never should have bitter, 
they could not know the sweet.) 

40. Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil 
tempted Adam, and he partook the forbidden fruit and 
transgressed the commandment, wherein he became 
2A subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded 
unto temptation. 

41. Wherefore I the Lord God caused that he 
should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, 2i from 
my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he 
became 2 ''spiritually dead, which is the 2 *first death, 
even that same death, which is the last death, which is 
spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked 
when I shall say — 2 *Depart, ye cursed. 

42. But, behold, I say unto you, that I the Lord 
God gave unto Adam and unto his seed that they 
should not die as to the temporal death, until I the 
Lord God should send forth 2?n angels to declare unto 
them repentance and redemption, through faith on the 
name of mine Only Begotten Son. 

43. And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto 
man the days of his probation ; that by his natural 
death he might be 2 Raised in immortality unto eternal 
life, even as many as would believe ; 

44. And they that' believe not unto 2o eternal dam- 
nation, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual 
fall, because they repent not ; 

45. For they will love darkness rather than light, 
and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages 
of whom they list to obey. 

46. But, behold, I say unto you, that Mittle chil- 
dren are redeemed from the foundation of the world 
through mine Only Begotten : 

47. Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not 

2h, ver. 36. 2i, Pearl of Great Price, p. 9. 2;, Pearl of 

Great Price, p. 15. 2k, n. Nep. 9 : 7—12. Mob. 3 1 26, 27. 16 : 4—11. 

Alma 11 : 45. 12 : 18, 26, 36. 42 : 6, 9, 14. Hela. 14 : 16, 17. Mor. 9 : 13. 
U, ver. 28. 76: 37. 2w, vers. 43, 46. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 9, 

}0« 16, 17. 2w, see a?k,— r 2o, see v, See, 70. ** 2p, see t, Sec. 93. 



148 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXX. 

given unto Satan to 2 ?tempt little children, until they 
begin to become accountable before me ; 

48. For it is given unto them even as I will, accord- 
ing to mine own pleasure, that great things may be re- 
quired at the hand of their fathers. 

49. And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having 
knowledge, have I not commanded to repent ? 

50. And he that hath no understanding, it remain- 
eth in me to do according as it is written. And now I 
declare no more unto you at this time. Amen. 



SECTION 30. 

"Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to David 
Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, jun., and John Whitmer, 
at Fayette, September, 1830. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have 
feared man and have not relied on me for strength as 
you ought : 

2. But your mind has been on the things of the 
earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and 
the ministry whereunto you have been called ; and you 
have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who 
were set over you, but have been persuaded by those 
whom I have not commanded : 

3. Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself, 
at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you 
have received. 

4. And your home shall be at your father's house, 
until I give unto you further commandments. And you 
shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before 
the world, and in the regions round about. Amen. 

5. Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take 
f ■ ' ■ - i ■ * 

2q, 93 : 37-49. 



SEC. XXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 149 

your ^journey with your brother Oliver, for the time has 
come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your 
mouth to declare my gospel ; therefore, fear not, but 
give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, 
which he shall give you. 

6. And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever 
lifting up your heart unto me in prayer, and faith, for 
his and your deliverance : for I have given unto him 
power to build up my church among the Lamanites : 

7. And none have I appointed to be his counselor 
over him in the church, concerning church matters, 
except it is his brother, Joseph Smith, jun. 

8. Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be 
diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall 
be blessed unto eternal life. Amen. 

9. Behold, I say unto you, my servant John, that 
thou shalt commence from this time forth to proclaim 
my gospel, as with the voice of a trump. 

10. And your labor shall be at your brother Philip 
Burrough's, and in that region round about ; yea, 
wherever you can be heard, until I command you to go 
from hence. 

11. And your whole labor shall be in & Zion, with 
all your soul, from henceforth ; yea, you shall ever 
open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man 
can do, for I am with you. Amen. 



SECTION 31. 



Bevelation to Tlwmas B. Marsh, given through Joseph, 
the Seer, September, 1830. 

1. Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your 
faith in my work. 

2. Behold, you haveT iad many afflictions Because of 

a, westward to the Lamanites. &, among the saints. 



150 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXL 

your family : nevertheless, I will bless you and your 
family ; yea, your little ones, and the day cometh that 
they will believe and know the truth and be one with 
you in a my church. 

3. Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of 
your mission is come : and your tongue shall be loosed ; 
and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto 
this generation. 

4. You shall declare the things which have been 
revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, jun. You shall 
begin to preach from this time forth ; yea, to reap in 
the field which is fc white already *to be burned : 

5. Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your 
soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be 
laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is 
worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live. 

6. Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only 
for a little time, and declare my word, and I will pre- 
pare a place for them ; 

7. Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and 
they will receive you. And I will establish a church 
by your hand ; 

8. And you shall strengthen them and prepare them 
against the time when they shall be gathered. 

9. Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those 
that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be 
steadfast. 

10. Behold, I say unto you, that you shall be a 
physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for 
they will not receive you. 

11. Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall 
be c given you by the Comforter what you shall do, and 
whither you shall go. 

12. d Pray always, lest you enter into temptation, 
and lose your reward. 

a, see a, Sec. 1. b, see b, Sec. 4. c, 34 : 10. 35 : 19. 36 : 2. 

39 : 6. 42 : 13, 14, 16, 17. 45 : 57. 46 : 11, 27—31. 50 : 13, 14, 17—22. 61 : 

27, 28. 72 : 24. 75 : 10. 76 : 12, 86, 116. 88 : 137. 105 : 36. 121 : 26. 
d* see c, Sec. 4. 



— ■ 



SEC. XXXII. , XXXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 151 

13. Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. 
These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, 
even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the 
Father. Amen. 



SECTION 32. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Parley P. 
Pratt and Ziba Peterson, October, 1830. 

1. And now concerning my servant Parley P. Pratt, 
behold, I say unto him, that as I live I will that he 
shall declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek 
and lowly of heart ; 

2. And that which I have appointed unto him is, 
that he shall a go with my servants Oliver Cowdery and 
Peter Whitmer, jun., into the wilderness among the 
Lamanites ; 

3. And 6 Ziba Peterson, also, shall go with them, 
and I myself will go with them and be in their midst ; 
and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing 
shall prevail. 

4. And they shall give heed to that which is written 
and pretend to no other revelation, and they shall °pray 
always that I may unfold them to their understanding ; 

5. And they shall give heed unto these words and 
trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen. 



SECTION 33. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Ezra Thayre 
and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, October, 1830. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and 

a, W r est of Missouri. &, West of Missouri. c, see c, Sec. 4. 



152 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXIIL 

Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice 
of the Lord your God, whose word is a quick and power- 
ful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing 
asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit ; and 
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

2. For verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye are 
called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a 
trump, to declare my ^gospel unto a crooked and per- 
verse generation : 

3. For behold, the field is c white already to harvest : 
and it is the ^eleventh hour, and for the e last time that 
I shall call laborers into my vineyard. 

4. And my vineyard has become corrupted -^every 
whit ; and there is none which doeth good save it be a 
few ; and they err in many instances, because of Spriest- 
crafts, all having corrupt minds. 

5. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this 
church have I established and called forth A out of the 
wilderness : 

6. And even so will I ^gather mine elect from the 
four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe 
in me, and hearken unto my voice : 

7. Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field 
is ^white already to harvest ; wherefore, thrust in your 
sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength. 

8. Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and 
you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed 
from Jerusalem in the wilderness : 

9. Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you 
shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I 
am with you : 

10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, 
saying — Repent, repent, and ^prepare ye the way of the 

a, see a, Sec. 27. b, see 6, Sec. 18. c, see &, Sec. 4. d, see k t 

Sec. 24. e, see k, Sec. 24. /, 35 : 7, 12. 38 : 11. 101 : 44—62. 

g, ii. Nep. 26 : 29—31. m. Nep. 21 : 19—21. 29 : 4—9. Ch. 30. h, see a t 

Sec. 1. t, see j, Sec. 10. ;", see b, Sec. 4. k, see e, 
Sec. 1. 



SEC, XXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 153 

Lord, and make his paths straight ; for the kingdom of 
heaven is at hand ; 

11. Yea, 'repent and be baptized, every one of you, 
for a remission of your sins ; yea, be baptized even by 
water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the 
Holy Ghost. 

12. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is 
my gospel, and remember that they shall have faith in 
me, or they can in no wise be saved ; 

13. And upon this w rock I will build my church ; 
yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the 
n gates of hell shall not prevail against you; 

14. And ye shall remember the church articles and 
covenants to keep them ; 

15. And whoso having faith you shall confirm in my 
church, by the °laying on of the hands, and I will be- 
stow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them. 

16. And the Book of Mormon and the Holy Scrip- 
tures, are given of me for your instruction ; and the 
power of my Spirit quickeneth all things : 

17. Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having 
your ^lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, 
that you may be ready at the coming of the Bride- 
groom : 

18. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that 
I ?come quickly. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 34. 

Revelation to Orson Pratt, given through Joseph, the 
Seer, in Fayette, New York, November Ath, 1830. 

1. My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold 

l, see h, Sec. 3. m, see o, Sec. 6. n, see I, Sec. 10. ' o, see 2j, 
Sec. 20. p, 45 : 44—46. 88 : 92. q, see e, Sec. 1. 



154 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXIV. 

what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus 
Christ your Redeemer ; 

2. The a light and the life of the world ; a light 
which 6 shineth in darkness and the darkness compre- 
hendeth it not ; 

3. Who so loved the world that he gave his own 
life, that as many as would believe might c become the 
sons of God : wherefore you are my son, 

4. And blessed are you because you have believed ; 

5. And more blessed are you because you are ^called 
of me to preach my gospel, 

6. To lift up your voice as with the sound of a 
trump, both e long and loud, and cry ^repentance unto 
a crooked and perverse generation, ^preparing the way 
of the Lord for his second coming ; 

7. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the 
time is soon at hand, that I shall come in a cloud with 
power and great glory, 

8. And it shall be a A great day at the time of my 
coming, for all nations shall tremble. 

9. But before that great day shall come, the *sun 
shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, 
and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall 
fall, and %reat destructions await the wicked : 

10. Wherefore lift up your voice and *spare not, 
for the Lord God hath spoken ; therefore ^prophesy, 
and it shall be given by the power of the Holy 
Ghost ; 

11. And if you are faithful, behold, I am with 
you ™until I come : 

12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, I n come 
quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer. Even 
so. Amen. 

a, see A, Sec. 6. b, see h, Sec. 6. c, see Jc, Sec. 11. d y see k, 

Sec. 24. e, see 5, Sec. 29. /, see h, Sec. 3. g, see e , 

Sec. 1. h, see e, Sec. 1. i, see ?i, Sec. 29. j, see / and 

f, Sec. 1. k y 84 : 87, 94, 117. l t 42 : 16, 17. w, see e, 
ec. 1. n, see e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. XXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 155 

SECTION 35. 

'Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 
given December, 1830. 

In Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even 
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the [end, whoso 
a course is one eternal round, the same to-day a$ yester- 
day, and for ever. 

2. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was 
crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will 
believe on my name, that they may become the sons of 
God, even 5 one in me as I am in the Father, as the 
Father is one in me, that we may be one. 

3. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant 
Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. I 
have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a greater 
work. 

4. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. 
Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare 
the way before me, and before c Elijah which should 
come, and thou knewest it not. 

5. Thou didst baptize by water unto repentance, 
but they received not the Holy Ghost ; 

6. But now I give unto thee a commandment, that 
thou shalt ^baptize by water, and they shall receive the 
Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the 
apostles of old. 

7. And it shall come to pass that there shall be a 
great work in the land, even among the Gentiles, for 
their folly and their ^abominations shall be made mani- 
fest in the eyes of all people ; 

8. For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened .• 
and I will ^show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all 
those who believe on my name. 

a, see a t Sec. 3. b, 50 : 43. 76 : 59. 84 : 37, 38. c, see a t 
Sec. 2. d, see I, Sec. 5. e, see 2j, Sec. 20. /, 85 : 117. 
88 : 94. g, vers. 9—11. 45 : 8. 60 : 9. 



156 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXV. 

9. And whoso shall A ask it in my name in faith, 
they shall cast out devils ; they shall heal the sick ; 
they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the 
deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to 
walk ; 

10. And the time speedily cometh that great things 
are to be shown forth unto the children of men ; 

11. But without faith shall not anything be shown 
forth except ^desolations upon Babylon, the same which 
has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of 
her fornication. 

12. And there are none that doeth good, except 
those who are ready to receive the ^fullness of my gospel 
which I have sent forth unto this generation. 

13. Wherefore I have called upon the *weak things 
of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to 
thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit : 

14. And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be 
their shield and their buckler ; and I will gird up their 
loins, and they shall fight manfully for me ; and 
their ^enemies shall be under their feet ; and I will 
let 77l fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of 
mine indignation will I preserve them. 

15. And the poor and the meek shall have the 
gospel preached unto them, and they shall be look- 
ing forth for the Hime of my coming, for it is nigh at 
hand : 

16. And they shall learn the parable of the fig tree, 
for even now already summer is nigh, 

17. And I have sent forth the dullness of my gospel 
by the hand of my servant Joseph ; and in weakness 
have I blessed him, 

18. And I have given unto him the ^keysof the 
mystery of those things which have been sealed, even 



h, see g. i, see i, Sec. 1. ;', see b, Sec. 18. Jc, see;, Sec. 1. 

I 98 : 34- 38. m, see /, Sec. 1. ' w, see e, Sec. 1. o, see &, 
Sec. 18. p, see b } Sec. 28. 



CT.C. XXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 157 

things which were from the ^foundation of the world, 
and the things which shall come from this time until 
the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, 
another will I plant in his stead. 

19. Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail 
not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy 
Ghost, that r knoweth all things : 

20. And a commandment I give unto thee, that 
thou shalt write for him ; and the Scriptures s shall be 
given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the sal- 
vation of mine own elect ; 

21. For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, 
and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of 
my coming, for they shall be purified, even as I am 
pure. 

22. And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and 
he shall journey with you ; forsake him not, and surely 
these things shall be fulfilled. 

23. And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold, it 
shall be given unto him to prophesy : and thou shalt 

!)reach my gospel and call on the holy prophets to prove 
lis words, as they shall be given him. 

24. Keep all the commandments and covenants by 
which ye are bound ; and I will cause the 'heavens to 
shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and w Zion 
shall rejoice upon the v hills and flourish, 

25. And Israel shall be saved in mine own due 
time ; and by the ™keys which I have given shall they 
be led, and no more be confounded at all. 

26. Lift up your hearts and be glad, your redemp- 
tion draweth nigh. 

27. Fear not, little flock, ^the kingdom is yours 
until I come. Behold I s/come quickly. Even so. Amen. 

q, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 1—3, 32. r, 39 : 6. 75 : 10. s, 42 : 
56. t, see e, Sec. 21. w, see e i Sec. 6. v, 39 : 13. 49 : 
25. 04 : 37. 117 : 7, 8. w. 15 ; 19. 42 : 69. 61 : 24—29. 90 : 2, 7, 9. 
Ill : 11, 16. 112 : 32. 113 : 6. % % 38 : 9. 50 : 35. 101 : 100, 101. 
105 ; 32. y, see e, Sec. 1. 



158 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXVL 



SECTION 36. 

Revelation to Edward Partridge, given through Joseph, 
the Seer, December, 1830. 

1. Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of 
Israel, Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, 
that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, 
and you are called to preach my gospel as with the 
voice of a trump ; 

2. And I will lay my hand upon you by the a hand 
of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive 
my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which 
shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom • 

3. And you shall declare it with a loud voice, say- 
ing, Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high God. 

4. And now this calling and commandment give I 
unto you concerning all men, 

5. That as many as shall come before my servants 
Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jun., embracing 
this calling and commandment, & shall be ordained and 
sent forth to preach the everlasting .gospel among the 
nations, 

6. Crying repentance, saying, Save yourselves from 
this untoward generation, and come forth out of 
the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the 
flesh. 

7. And this commandment shall be given unto the 
elders of my church, that c every man which will em- 
brace it with singleness of heart, may be ordained and 
sent forth, even as I have spoken. 

'8. I am Jesus Christ the Son of God : wherefore, 
gird up your loins and I will ^suddenly come to my 
temple. Even so. Amen. 

a, see 2 j, Sec. 20. &, see c, Sec. 6. c» see c, Sec. 0. 

M2;30. 07;ie._133;24^ 



SEC. XXXVII. , XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 159 

SECTION 37. 

Revelation given to "Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney 
Rigdon, December, 1830. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, that it is not expedient 
in me that ye should "translate any more until ye 
shall go to the Ohio, and this because of the enemy 
and for your sakes. 

2. And again, I say unto you, that ye shall not go, 
until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and 
have strengthened up the church whithersoever it is 
found, and more especially in Colesville ; for^ behold, 
they pray unto me in much faith. 

3. And again, a commandment I give unto the 
church, that it is expedient in me that they should 6 as- 
semble together at the Ohio, against the time that my 
servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them. 

4. Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose 
for himself until I come. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 38. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Fayette, 
New York) January 2nd, 1831. 

1. Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, 
the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning ana 
the end, the same which looked upon the a wide ex- 
panse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, 
before the world was made : 

a, the Scriptures. 1>, first direct command to gather. 

a.ver.2. 67; 2. 121; 2,24. 



160 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXVIII. 

2. The same which ^knoweth all things, for all 
things are c present before mine eyes : 

3. I am the same which spake, and the world was 
made, and all things came by me : 

4. I am the same which have taken the d Zion of 
Enoch into mine own bosom ; and verily, I say, even 
as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, 
and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood 
which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father 
for them ; 

5. But behold, the residue of the wicked have I 
kept in ^chains of darkness until the judgment of the 
great day, which shall come at the end of the earth ; 

6. And even so ^will I cause the wicked to be kept, 
that will not hear my voice but harden their hearts, 
and wo, wo, wo, is their doom. 

7. But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that 
mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye 
cannot see me ; 

8. But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, 
and know that I am ; for the vail of darkness shall 
soon be ^rent, and^ he that is not purified shall not 
abide the day : 

9. Wherefore gird up your loins and be prepared. 
Behold, the ^kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall 
not overcome. 

10. Verily, I say unto you, ye are clean, but not 
all; and there is none else with whom I am well 
pleased, 

11. For all flesh is corrupted before me ; and the 
powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the 
children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of 
heaven, 

12. Which causeth ^silence to reign, and all ^'eternity 



• b, 93 : 23, 24, 28, 30, 36. ; 121 : 24. c, see a. d, 84 : 99, 100. 

e t 88 : 99. f, see e. g, see e t Sec. 1. h t see x, Sec. 35. 

i t 88 : 95. Pearl of Great Price, p 20. ?, see f. 



SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 161 

is pained, and the Mangels are waiting the great com- 
mand to reap down the earth, to gather the *tares that 
they may be burned : and, behold, the enemy is com- 
bined. 

13. And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing 
which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even 
your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not ; 

14. But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, 
not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of un- 
belief ; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but 
I will be merciful unto your weakness. 

15. Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth ; fear 
not, for the m kingdom is yours : 

16. And for your salvation I give unto you a com- 
mandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor 
have complained before me, and the rich have I made, 
and all flesh is mine, and I am no ^respecter of per- 
sons. 

17. And I have made the earth rich, and behold it 
is my footstool, wherefore, again I will stand upon it ■ 

18. And I hold forth and deign to give unto you 
greater riches, even a °land of promise, a land flowing 
with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no 
curse when the Lord cometh : 

19. And I will give it unto you for the land of your 
inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts : 

20. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye 
shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for 
the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth 
shall stand, and ye shall possess it ^again in eternity, 
no more to pass away. 

21. But, verily, I say unto you, that in time ye 
shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king 
and watch over you. 

22. Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and 





k, 


SG: 


3-7 




1,86. 


7. 


83 


: 94. 


101: 


66. 


133: 


C3 


64. 




m 


, see x, 


s< 


c. 35. 




n, 


Acts 10 : 


34. 


T. 


Pet. 


1: 17. 




°i 


52 


2. 


57 


1, 


2, 5, 7, 


p, 


56: 


20. 


57: 


5. 


63 : 20, 


48, 


40. 





















M 



162 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXVTTL 

you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws 
but my laws when I come, for I am your Law-giver, and 
what can stay my hand ? 

23. But, verily, I say unto you, teach one another 
according to the office w T herewith I have appointed you, 

24. And let every man esteem ?his brother as him- 
self, and practice virtue and holiness before me. 

25. And again I say unto you. let every man esteem 
his brother as himself ; 

26. For what man among you having twelve sons, 
and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obe- 
diently, and he saith unto the one, be thou clothed in 
robes and sit thou here ; and to the other, be thou 
clothed in rags and sit thou there, and looketh upon 
his sons and saith I am just. 

! 27. Behold, this I have given unto you a parable, 
and it is even as lam: I say unto you, be one ; and if 
ye are r not one, ye are not mine. 

28. And again I say unto you, that the enemy in 
the ^secret chambers seeketh your lives. 

29. Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say 
that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but 
ye know not the ^hearts of men in your own land. 

30. I tell you these things because of your prayers ; 
wherefore treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the 
wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by 
their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in 
your ears with a voice louder than that which shall 
shake the earth j but if ye are prepared, ye shall not 
fear. 

31. And that ye might escape the power of the 
enemy, and be ^gathered unto me a righteous people, 
without spot and blameless : 

32. Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the 

q, ver. 25. 59 : 6. 83 : 123. r, 19 : 9. 01 : 8. s, 5 : 32, 33. 
10 : 6, 25. 38 : 13. 42 : 64. 89 : 4. 117 : 11, t, 45 : 26, 63. 87 : 
1—5. 130 : 12. u x see j, Sec. 10. 



SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 163 

commandment that ye should v go to the Ohio ; and 
there I will give unto you my ^law ; and there you 
Bhall be ^endowed with power from on high ; 

33. And from thence, whomsoever I will, shall ^go 
forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what 
they shall do ; for I have a great work laid up in store, 
for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whither- 
soever I will, and no power shall stay my hand. 

34. And now I give unto the church in these parts, 
a commandment that certain men among them shall be 
appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of 
the church ; 

35. And they shall look to the poor and the needy, 
and administer to their relief, that they shall not suffer ; 
and send them forth to the place which I have com- 
manded them ; 

36. And this shall be their work, to govern the 
affairs of the property of this church. 

37. And they that have farms that cannot be sold, 
let them be left or rented as seemeth them good. 

38. See that all things are preserved ; and when 
men are ^endowed with power from on high and sent 
forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom 
of the church. 

39. And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of 
the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of 
all people, for ye shall have the 2 niches of eternity ; 
and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are 
mine to give ; but beware of pride, lest ye 26 become as 
the Nephites of old. 

40. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a 
commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, 
teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with 
the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the 
things which I have commanded. 

y, see b, Sec. 37. w, see Sec. 42. x, 39 : 15. 43 : 16. 95 : 8. 

108 : 4. y, see q, Sec. 18. z, ver. 32. 39 : 15. 95 : 8, 9. 105 : 

18, 33. 110 : 9, 10. 124 : 36—44. 2 a, 11 : 7. 68: 31. 78: 18, 

2&, the Nephites were destroyed through wickedness. 



1G4 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXIX. 

41. And let your preaching be the warning voice, 
every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. 

42. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save 
yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. 
Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 39. 



Bevelation to James Covill, given through Joseph, the 
Seer, in Fayette, New York, January 5th, 1831. 

1. Hearken and listen to the voice of him who 
is a from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, 
even Jesus Christ, 

2. 6 The light and the life of the world ; a light 
which c shineth in darkness and the darkness compre- 
hendeth it not : 

3. The same which came in the Meridian of time 
unto my own, and my own received me not ; 

4. But to as many as received me, gave I *power to 
become my sons, and even so will I give unto as many 
as will receive me, power to become my sons. 

5. And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that re- 
ceiveth my gospel, receiveth me ; and he that receiveth 
not my gospel receiveth not me. 

6. And this is my gospel : ^repentance and baptism 
by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the 
Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all 
things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the king- 
dom. 

7. And now, behold, I say unto you, my servant 
James, I have looked upon thy works and I know thee : 

a, 29 : 33. 61 : 1. 76 : 4. 88 : 6—13. 93 : 8—10. &, see h, Sec. 6. 
c, see h, Sec. 6. d, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 16, 20. e, see k, Sec. 11. 
/, see b, Sec. 18. 



SEC. XXXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 165 

8. And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now 
right before me at this time, and, behold, I have be- 
stowed great blessings upon thy head : 

9. Nevertheless thou hast seen great sorrow, for 
thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and 
the cares of the world ; 

10. But, behold, the days of thy deliverance are 
come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith 
unto thee, arise and be ^baptized, and wash away your 
sins, calling on my name, and you shall receive my 
Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known. 

11. And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for a 
greater work. Thou shalt preach the ^fullness of my 
gospel which I have sent forth in these last days ; 
the ^covenant which I have sent forth to recover my 
people, which are of the house of Israel. 

12. And it shall come to pass that power shall rest 
upon thee ; thou shalt have great faith, and I will be 
with thee and go before thy face. 

13. Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to 
build up -7'my church, and to bring forth ^Zion, that it 
may rejoice upon the *hills and flourish. 

14. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou art 
not called to go into the eastern countries, but thou art 
called to go to the Ohio. 

15. And inasmuch as my people shall assemble 
themselves to the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing 
such as is not known among the children of men, and 
it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from 
thence men shall m go forth into all nations. 

16. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the 
people in Ohio call upon me in much faith, thinking I 
will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations, but 
I cannot deny my word : 

17. Wherefore lay to with your might and call 

g, see I, Sec. 5. h, see b, Sec. 18. i, see k, Sec. 1. j, see a, 
Sec. 1. k, see e, Sec. 6. L 49 : 25. 64 : 37. 65 : 2. 117 : 8. 
128 : 19. m, see q % Sec. 18. 



166 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XL. 

"faithful laborers into my vineyard, that it may bo 
pruned for the last time. 

18. And inasmuch as they do repent and receive 
the °fullness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I 
will stay mine hand in judgment : 

19. Wherefore go forth, crying with a loud voice, 
saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand ; crying 
Hosanna ! blessed be the name of the most high God. 

20. Go forth baptizing with water, ^preparing the 
way before my face, for the time of my coming ; 

21. For the time is at hand ; the ?day nor the houj 
no man knoweth ; but it surely shall come, 

22. And he that receiveth these things receiveth 
me ; and they shall be ^gathered unto me in time and 
in eternity. 

23. And again, it shall come to pass, that on as 
many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall *lay your 
hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, 
and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming, 
and shall know me. 

24. Behold, I 'come quickly. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 40. 



Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 
given in Fayette, New York, January, 1831, ex- 
plaining why James Covill obeyed not the revelation 
which was given unto him. 

1. Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of 
my servant James Covill was right before me, for he 
covenanted with me that he would obey my word. 

n, see 1c, Sec. 24. o, see &, Sec. 18. p, see e t Sec. 1. q, see e, 
Sec. 1. r t see j, Sec. 10. . s, see 2;, Sec. 20. t t see e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. XLI.] COMMANDMENTS. 167 

2. And he received the word with gladness, but 
straightway Satan tempted him ; and the fear of perse- 
cution, and the cares of the world, caused him to reject 
the word ; 

3. Wherefore he broke my "covenant, and it re- 
maineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. 
Amen. 



SECTION 41. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, 
Ohio, February Uh, 1831. 

1. Hearken and hear, ye my people, saith the Lord 
and your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the 
greatest blessings, ye that hear me ; and ye that hear 
me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with 
the a heaviest of all cursings. 

2. Hearken, ye elders of my church whom I 
have called : behold I give unto you a commandment, 
that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree 
upon my word, 

3. And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive 
my 6 law, that ye may know how to govern my church, 
and have all things right before me. 

4. And I will be your Ruler when I come ; and be- 
hold, I c come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is 
kept. 

5. He that receiveth my ^aw and doeth it, the 
same is my disciple ; and he that saith he receiveth it 
and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall 
be cast out from among you : 

6. For it is not meet that the things which belong 
to the children of the kingdom, should be given to 

a, 76 : 29—37. b, Sec. 42. c, see <\Sec. 1. d, ver. 6. 



1G8 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 

them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to 
be cast before swine. 

7. And again, it is meet that my servant Joseph 
Smith, jun., should have a house built, in which to live 
and translate. 

8. And again, it is meet that my servant Sidney 
Rigdon should live as seemeth him good, inasmuch as 
he keepeth my commandments. 

9. And again, I have called my servant Edward 
Partridge, and give a commandment, that he should be 
appointed by the voice of the church, and ^ordained a 
bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and 
to spend all his time in the labors of the church : 

10. To see to all things as it shall be appointed unto 
him, in my laws in the day that I shall give them. 

11. And this because his heart is pure before me, 
for he is like unto Nathaniel of old, in whom there is 
no guile. 

12. These words are given unto you, and they are 
pure before me ; wherefore beware how you hold them, 
for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day 
of judgment. Even so. Amen, 



SECTION 42. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, February 9th, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, who have 
assembled yourselves together in my name, even Jesus 
Christ the Son of the living God, the Saviour of the 
world : inasmuch as they believe on my name and keep 
my commandments, 

e, first Bishop in the Church. 



EEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 169 

2. Again, I say unto you, hearken and hear and 
obey the fl law which I shall give unto you ; 

3. For verily I say, as ye have assembled yourselves 
together according to the commandment wherewith I 
commanded you, and are agreed as touching this one 
thing, and have asked the Father in my name, even so 
ye shall receive. 

4. Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you 
this first commandment, that ye shall go forth in my 
name, every one of you, excepting my servants Joseph 
Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon. 

5. And I give unto them a commandment that they 
shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given 
by the power of my Spirit when they shall return ; 

6. And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, 
preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting 
up your voices as with the voice of a trump, declaring 
my word like unto angels of God ; 

7. And ye shall go forth baptizing with water, say- 
ing — ^Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven 
is at hand. 

8. And from this place ye shall go forth into the 
regions westward ; and inasmuch as ye shall find them 
that will receive you, ye shall build up c my church in 
every region, 

9. Until the time shall come when it shall be re- 
vealed unto you from on high, when the city of the 
d New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be 
gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will 
be your God. 

10. And again, I say unto you, that my servant 
Edward Partridge shall stand in the office wherewith I 
have appointed him. And it shall come to pass, that if 
he transgress, another shall be appointed in his stead. 
Even so. Amen. 

11. Again, I say unto you, that it shall not be giveu 

a, Sec. 42. 6, see h } Sec. 3. c, see a, Sec. 1. d, see d, Sec. 28. 



170 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 

to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build 
up my church, except he be ordained by some one who 
has authority, and it is known to the church that he has 
authority, and has been regularly ordained by the heads 
of the church. 

12. And again, the elders, priests, and teachers of 
this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, 
which are -in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the 
which is the ^fullness of the gospel ; 

13. And they shall observe the covenants and 
church articles to do them, and these shall be their 
teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit ; 

14. And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the 
prayer of faith, and if ye ^receive not the Spirit, ye 
shall not teach. 

15. And all this ye shall observe to do as I have 
commanded concerning your teaching, until the ^fullness 
of my scriptures is given. 

16. And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Com- 
forter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good ; 

17. For, behold, the Comforter ^know r eth all things, 
and l b>eareth record of the Father and of the Son. 

18. And now, behold, I speak unto the church. 
Thou shalt not kill ; and he that kills shall -^'not have 
forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come. 

19. And again, I say, thou shalt not kill ; but he 
that killeth shall die. 

20. Thou shalt not steal ; and he that stealeth and 
will not repent, shall be cast out. 

21. Thou shalt not He ; he that Ueth and will not 
repent, shall be cast out. 

22. Thou shalt love thy *wife with all thy heart, 
and shalt cleave unto her and none else ; 

23. And he that looketh upon a woman *to lusi 



e, see b, Sec. 18. /, 50 : 17, 18. g, vers. 56—58. h, 75 : 10. 

88 : 41. 93 : 23—28. i, I. John, 5 : 6— S. in. Nep. 11 : 32, 35, 36. 

j, vers. 19, 79. k, 49 : 15—17. 75 : 28. 83 : 2. 132 : 62. l t 63 : 16. 



SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 171 

after her, shall deny the faith, and shall not have the 
Spirit, and if he repents not he shall be cast out. 

24. Thou shalt ™not commit adultery ; and he that 
committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast 
out ; 

25. But he that has committed adultery and repents 
with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no 
more, thou shalt forgive ; 

26. But if he doeth it again, he shall not be for- 
given, but shall be cast out. 

27. Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor 
do him any harm. 

28. Thou knowest my laws concerning these things 
are given in my scriptures ; he that sinneth and re- 
penteth not, shall be cast out. 

29. If thou lovest me, thou shalt serve me and keep 
all my commandments. 

30. And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and 
"consecrate of thy properties for their support that 
which thou hast to impart unto them with a covenant 
and a deed which cannot be broken ; 

31. And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance 
unto the poor, ye will do it unto me, and they shall be 
laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, 
two of the elders,* or High Priests, such as he shall or 
has appointed and set apart for that purpose. 

32. And it shall come to pass, that after they are 
laid before the bishop of my church, and after that he 
has received these testimonies concerning the consecra- 
tion of the properties of my church, that they cannot 
be taken from the church agreeable to my command- 
ments ; every man shall be made accountable unto me, 
a °steward over his own property, or that which he has 

m, vers. 25, 26, 80—83. 63 : 14—19. 101 : 6. 132 : 26, 27, 39, 
41—44, 52, 54, 61—63, 65. n, 58: 35, 36. 85: 3. 104: 60, 66. 

105 : 29. o, ver. 53. 51 : 3-6. 64 : 30. 70 : 9—11. 72 : 3, 5, 

16, 17, 20, 22. 101 : 61. 104 : 11—44, 54—57, 68—86. 

* The words, "or High Priests," were added by the Prophet some years 
after ; and also the words, " High Council," in the 34th verse. 



172 



COVENANTS AND 



[SEC. XLIL 



received by consecration, inasmuch as is sufficient for 
himself and family. 

33. And again, if there shall be properties in the 
hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more 
than is necessary for their support, after this first con- 
secration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the 
bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who 
have not, from time to time, thai every man who has 
need may be amply supplied, and receive according to | 
his wants. 

34. Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my store- I 
house, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall 
be appointed by the ^High Council of the church, and | 
the bishop and his council, 

35. And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the I 
public benefit of the church, and building houses of I 
worship, and building up of the ^New Jerusalem which f 
is hereafter to be revealed, 

36. That my Covenant people may be gathered in I 
one in that day when I shall s come to my temple. And [ 
this I do for the salvation of my people. 

37. And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth 
and repenteth not, shall be cast out of the church, andl 
shall not receive again that which he has consecrated I 
unto the poor and the needy of my church : or in other | 
words^ unto me ; 

38. For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of| 
these, ye do it unto me ; 

39. For it shall come to pass, that which I spake byl 
the mouths of my prophets, shall be fulfilled ; for II 
will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace myl 
gospel among the Gentiles, unto the poor of my people| 
who are of the house of Israel. 

40. And again, thou shalt not be proud in thyl 
heart ; let all thy 'garments be plain, and their beauty| 
the beauty of the work of thine ow n hands ; 

p,102:l— 34. 120:1. q, vers. 9, 62, 67. 28:9. 45:66—71. 52:43. 57:| 
2, 14. 58 : 7, 13. r, the remnant of Joseph. s t see d, Sec. 36, t f 95 : 13 f 



SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 173 

41. And let all things be done in cleanliness before 
me. 

42. Thou shalt tt not be idle ; for he that is idle 
shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the 
laborer. 

43. And whosoever among you r are sick, and have 
not faith to be healed; but believe, shall be nourished 
with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that 
not by the hand of an enemy. 

44. And the elders of the church, two or more, 
shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands 
upon them in my name ; and if they die they shall die 
unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me. 

45. Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that 
w thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more 
especially for those that have not hope of a glorious 
resurrection. 

46. And it shall come to pass that those that die in 
me, shall *not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto 
them ; 

47. And they that die not in me, ^wo unto them, 
for their death is bitter. 

48. And again, it shall come to pass that he that 
hath z faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed 
unto death, shall be healed ; 

49. He who hath faith to see shall see ; 

50. He who hath faith to hear shall hear ; 

51. The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap ; 

52. And they who have not faith to do these things, 
but believe in me, have power to become my sons ; and 
inasmuch as they break not my laws, thou shalt bear 
their infirmities. 

_ 53. Thou shalt stand in the place of thy steward- 
ship ; 



u, 60 : 13. 68 : 30, 31. 75 : 3, 29. 88 : 124. i\ 42 : 44, 48—52. 

59 : 16—22. 89 : 10, 11. w, ver. 47. 84 : 74, 75. x, 63 : 49—52. 

y, see w. z, vers. 49—52. 35 : 8—11. 46 : 19, 20. 52 : 20. 84 : 65—73. 
C8 : 10. 



T 174 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 

I 54. Thou shalt not take thy brother's garment ; 
thou shalt 2a pay for that which thou shalt receive of 
thy brother ; 

55. And if thou obtainest 2& more than that which 
would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my 
store-house, that all things may be done according to 
that which I have said. 

56. Thou shalt ask, and my 2c Scriptures shall be 
given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved 
in safety ; 

57. And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold 
thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until 
ye have received them in full. 

58. And I give unto you a commandment that then 
ye shall teach them unto all men ; for 2d they shall be 
taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people. 

59. Thou shalt take the things which thou hast 
received, which have been given unto thee in my Scrip- 
tures for a law, to be my law to govern my church ; 

60. And he that doeth according to these things 
shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be 
damned, if he continues. 

61. If thou shalt ask, 2c thou shalt receive revela- 
tion upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that 
thou may est know the mysteries and peaceable things 
— that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life 
eternal. 

62; Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto 
you in mine own due time 2f where the New Jerusalem 
shall be built. 

63. And behold, it shall come to pass that my ser- 
vants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west, to 
the north and to the south ; 

64. And even now, let him that goeth to the east, 



2a, 51 : 10—12. 2b, vers. 33, 34. 51 : 13. 70 : 7. 72 : 10. 82 : 18. 

101 : 96. 119: 1. 2c, the inspired translation of the Bible. 2d, 45 : 

60, 61. 94 : 10. 124 : 89. 2 e, vers. 65, 67. 59 : 4. 76 ; 7. §8'. 77—79. 

X21 : 26—33, 2/, see a. 



SEC. XLLT.] COMMANDMENTS. 175 

beach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, 
md this in consequence of that which is coming on 
;he earth, and of ^secret combinations. 

65. Behold, thou shalt observe all these _ things, 
md great shall be thy reward ; for unto you it is given 
bo 2A know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the 
world it is not given to know them. 

66. Ye shall observe the laws which ye have re- 
ceived and be faithful. 

67. And ye shall hereafter receive ^'church cove- 
nants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you, both 
here and in the New Jerusalem. 

68. Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask 
of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not. 

69. Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you 
the ^kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the 
church have been given. Even so. Amen, 

70. The priests and teachers shall have their 
stewardships, even as the members ; 

71. And the elders,* or High Priests who are ap- 
pointed to assist the bishop as counselors in all things, 
are to have their families supported out of the property 
which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the 
poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned ; 

72. Or they are to receive a just remuneration for all 
their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may 
be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop. 

73. And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, 
or a just remuneration for all his services in the church. 

74. f Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever 
persons among you, having put away their companions 
for the 2 ^cause of fornication, or in other words, if they 
shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this 
is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you ; 

2#, see s, Sec. 38. 2 h, see 2e. 2i, Revealed Laws. 

2 j, see x, Sec. 35. 2 k, i. Cor. 5 : 9—13. 6 : 9, 13—20. 

* The words "or High Priests" were added by the Prophet some years after, 
t Verses 74 to 93 inclusive, were given some days after the first 73 verses. 



176 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 

75. But if ye shall find that any persons have left 
their companions for the 2 *sake of adultery, and they 
themselves are the offenders, and their companions are 
living, they shall be cast out from among you. 

76. And again, I say unto you, that ye shall be 
watchful and careful, with all inquiry, that ye receive 
none such among you if they are married ; 

77. And if they are not married, they shall repent 
of all their sins, or ye shall not receive them. 

78. And again, every person who belongeth to this 
church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the com- 
mandments and covenants of the church. 

79. And it shall come to pass, that if any persons 
among you shall kill, they shall be delivered up and 
dealt with according to the laws of the land ; for re- 
member that he hath 2 ™no forgiveness, and it shall be 
proven according to the laws of the land. 

80. And if any man or woman shall 2n commit 
adultery, he or she shall be tried before two elders of 
the church, or more, and every word shall be established 
against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and 
not of the enemy ; but if there are more than two 
witnesses it is better. 

81. But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth 
of two witnesses, and the elders shall lay the case be- 
fore the church, and the church shall lift up their 
hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with 
according to the law of God. 

82. And if it can be, it is necessary that the bishop 
is present also. 

83. And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall 
come before you. 

84. And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she 
shall be delivered up unto the law of the land. 

85. And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be 
delivered up unto the law of the land. 

21, ver. 76. See m. 2?/i, vers. 18, 19, . 2?i, see m. 



SEC. XLIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 177 

86. And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be 
delivered up unto the law of the land. 

87. And if he or she do 2o any manner of iniquity, 
he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that 
of God. 

88. And if thy brother or sister 2 ^ofFend thee, thou 
shalt take him or her between him or her and thee 
alone ; and if he or she confess, thou shalt be reconciled. 

89. And if he or she confess not, thou shalt deliver 
him or her up unto the church, not to the members, 
but to the elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, 
and that not before the world. 

90. And if thy brother or sister offend 2 ?many, he 
or she shall be chastened before many. 

91. And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be 
rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And 
if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up 
unto the law of God. 

92. If any shall 2r offend in secret, he or she shall 
be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have oppor- 
tunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or 
she has offended, and to God, that the church may not 
speak reproachfully of him oi her. 

93. And thus shall ye conduct in all things. 



. SECTION 43. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, February, 1831. 

1. hearken, ye elders of my church, and give an 
ear to the words which I shall speak unto you ; 

2o, ver. 23. 43 : 11. 2p, 20 : 80. 2q, that all may see 

that there is justice in the church. 2r, confession and repentance, 

intended to be as extensive as the offence. 



178 ' COVENANTS AND [SEO. XLIH. 

2. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that 
ye have received a commandment for a a law unto my 
church, through him whom I have appointed unto you, 
to receive commandments and revelations from my 
hand. 

3. And this ye shall know assuredly that there is 
5 none other appointed unto you to receive command- 
ments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in 
me. 

4. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else 
shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through 
him, for if it be taken from him, he shall not have 
power except to appoint another in his stead ; 

5. And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive 
not the teachings of any that shall come before you as 
revelations or commandments ; 

6. And this I give unto you that you may not be 
deceived, that you may know they are not of me. 

7. For verily I say unto you, that he that is Or- 
dained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained 
as I have told you before, to teach those revelations 
which you have received, and shall receive through him 
whom I have appointed. 

8. And now, behold, I give unto you a command- 
ment, that when ye are assembled together, ye shall 
instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how 
to act and direct my church, how to act upon the 
points of my law and commandments, w r hich I have 
given ; 

9. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law 
of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have 
received, and ye shall d bind yourselves to act in all 
holiness before me, 

10. That inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be 
added to the kingdom which ye have received. Inas^ 

a, see Sec. 42. &, see 2tf, Sec. 20, 28 ; 11, 12, 13, c t see &. 

d,83; 127-141. J. V * 



sec. xlulY commandments. 179 

much as ye do it not, it shall be taken, even that which 
ye have received. 

11. Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you ; 
sanctify yourselves before me, 

12. And if ye desire the glories of the kingdom,* 
appoint ye my servant Joseph Smith, jun., and uphold 
him before me by the prayer of faith. 

13. And again, I say unto you, that if ye desire the 
mysteries of the kingdom, provide for him food and 
raiment, and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish 
the work, wherewith I have commanded him ; 

14. And if ye do it not, he shall remain unto them 
that have received him, that I may reserve unto myself 
a pure people before me. 

15. Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, 
whom I have appointed ; ye are not sent forth to be 
taught, but to teach the children of men the things 
which I have put into your hands by the power of my 
Spirit ; 

16. And ye e are to be taught from on high. Sanc- 
tify yourselves and ye shall be ^endowed with power, 
that ye may give even as I have spoken. 

17. Hearken ye, for, behold, the great day of the 
Lord is nigh at hand. 

18. For the day cometh that the Lord shall Gutter 
his voice out of heaven ; the heavens shall ^shake and 
the earth shall tremble, and the ^trump of God shall 
sound both long and loud, and shall say to the sleeping 
nations, Ye saints arise and live ; ye sinners stay and 
sleep until I sh&U call again ; 

19. Wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found 
among the wicked. 

20. Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon 
the ^nations to repent, both old and young, both bond 

e, 46 : 7—33. 50 : 10-36. 52 : 9. /, see x, Sec. 38. g, vers. 

23—27. l;ll. 45:40. 63:5..— ft, see e, Sec. 21. * i t see l % 

Sec. 29.^-- j } see&, Sec. l.fZ}.. ^ ~"- " "— ' 



180 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIII. 

and free, saying, prepare yourselves for the great day of 
the Lord ; 

21. For if I, who am a man, do lift up my voice 
and call upon you to repent, and ye hate me, what will 
ye say when the day cometh when the thunders shall 
utter their voices from the ends of the earth, speaking 
to the ears of all that live, saying, ^Repent, and prepare 
for the great day of the Lord ; 

22. Yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak 
forth from the east unto the west, and shall utter forth 
their voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all 
tingle that hear, saying these words, ^Repent ye, for the 
great day of the Lord is come. 

23. And again, the Lord shall w utter his voice out 
of heaven, saying, Hearken, ye nations of the earth, 
and hear the words of that God who made you. 

24. 0, ye nations of the earth, how often would I 
have ^gathered you together as a hen gathereth her 
chickens under her wings, but ye would not ? 

. 25. How oft have I called upon you by the mouth 
of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and 
by mine own voice, and by the °voice of thunderings, 
and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of 
tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great 
hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences 
of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and 
by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy 
all the day long, and by the voice of glory, and honor, 
and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved 
you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not ? 

26. Behold the day has come, when the cup of the 
wrath of mine indignation is full. 

27. Behold, verily I say unto you, that these are 
the words of the Lord your God ; 

• 28. Wherefore labor ye, ^labor ye in my vineyard 

r k, ver. 25%,. I, ver. 25. M%S£^ n, 133 : 8 — 15. 

p t vers. 21n & see Jc t Sec. 24, 



SEC. XLIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 181 

for the last time — for the last time call upon the in- 
habitants of the earth, 

29. For in my own due time will I come upon the 
earth in judgment, and my people shall be redeemed 
and shall ?reign with me on earth, 

30. For the great r Millennium, of which I have 
spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come ; 

31. For s Satan shall be bound, and when he is 
loosed again, he shall only reign for a kittle season, 
and then cometh the u end of the earth ; 

32. And he that liveth in righteousness shall 
be ^changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the ™earth 
shall pass away so as by fire ; 

33. And the wicked shall go away into ^oinquench- 
able fire, and their end no man knoweth on earth, nor 
ever shall know, until they come before me in judgment. 

34. Hearken ye to these words ; Behold, I am Jesus 
Christ, the Saviour of the world. Treasure these things 
up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity 
rest upon your minds. 

35. Be sober. Keep all my commandments. Even 
so. Amen. 



SECTION 44. 



Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 
given in Kirtland, Ohio, February, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser- 
vants, it is expedient in me that the elders of my 
church should be called together, from the east and 

q, 1 : 36. 66 : 63. 84 : 119. 88 : 17, 26. r, 29 : 11, 22. s, 88 : 
110. 101 : 28. t, 29 : 22. u, see t, Sec. 88. v, 88 : 20, 28. 
w } see t, Sec. 88. x, 29 : 28. See e and /, Sec. 19. 



182 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIV. 

from the west, and from the north and from the south, 
by letter or some other way. 

2. And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as 
they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour 
out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble 
themselves together. 

3. And it shall come to pass that they shall go 
forth into the regions round about, and preach repent- 
ance unto the people ; 

4. And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye 
shall obtain power to organize yourselves, ^according 
to the laws of man ; 

5. That your enemies may not have power over 
you, that you may be preserved in all things ; that you 
may be enabled to keep my laws, that every 6 band 
may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy 
my people. 

6. Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the 
poor and the needy, and administer to their relief, that 
they may be kept until all things may be done accord- 
ing to my c law which ye have received. Amen. 



SECTION 45. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, March 1th, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye people of my church to whom the 
a kingdom has been given — hearken ye and give ear to 
him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made 
the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all 

a, with civil officers, elected by themselves. 5, that the civil officers 

may be good men, and not persecutors. c, see Sec. 4& 

a, see x } Sec. 35. 



SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 183 

things were made which live, and move, and have a 
being. 

2. And again, I say, hearken unto my voice, lest 
death shall overtake you ; in an hour when ye think 
not the ^summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, 
and your souls not saved. 

3. Listen to him who is the c advocate with the 
Father, who is pleading your cause before him, 

4. Saying, Father, behold the sufferings and death 
of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased ; 
behold the blood of thy Son w r hich was shed — the 
blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be 
glorified ; 

5. Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that 
believe on my name, that they may come unto me and 
have everlasting life. 

6. Hearken, ye people of my church, and ye 
elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is 
called to-day, and harden not your hearts, 

7. For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and 
Omega, the beginning and the end, the d light and the 
life of the world — a light that ^shineth in darkness and 
the darkness comprehendeth it not. 

8. I came unto my 'own, and my own received me 
not ; but unto as many as received me, gave I #power 
to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God, 
and even unto them that believed on my name gave I 
power to obtain eternal life. 

9. And even so I have sent mine ^everlasting cove- 
nant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be 
a ^standard for my people and for the Gentiles to seek 
to it, and to be a ^'messenger before my face to prepare 
the way before me ; 

10. Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that 

&, 56 : 16. Jer. 8 : 20. c, vers. 4, 5. 29 : 5. 62 : 1. 110 : 4. 
d, see h, Sec. 6. e, see h, Sec. 6. /, see g, Sec. 6. g> seeg, 
Sec. 6. h, see k, Sec. 1. i, ver. 28. 1 : 29. 3 : 16—20. 5 : 
15, 16. 10 : 45—53. 20 : 8—12. 64 : 42. 113 : 6. 115 ; 5. ;, see i. 



184 v COVENANTS AND . fsEC. XLV. 

eometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I 
will show unto you my strong reasoning, 

11. Wherefore hearken ye together and let me show 
it unto you, even my wisdom — the wisdom of him whom 
ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren, 

12. Who were ^separated from the earth, and were 
received unto myself — a city reserved until a day of 
righteousness shall come — a day which was sought for 
by all holy men, and they found it not because of 
wickedness and abominations ; 

13. And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims 
on the earth ; 

14. But obtained a promise that they should find it 
and see it in their flesh. 

15. Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, 
and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men 
in days of old ; 

16. And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto 
my disciples as I stood before them in the flesh, and 
spake unto them, saying, as ye have asked of me con- 
cerning the signs of my coming in the day when I shall 
come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfill the 
promises that I have made unto your fathers, 

17. For as ye have looked upon the long absence of 
your spirits from your bodies to be a bondage, I will 
show unto you how the day of redemption shall come, 
and also the Restoration of the scattered Israel. 

18. And now ye behold this temple which is in 
Jerusalem, which ye call the house of God, and j^our 
enemies say that this house shall never fall. 

19. But, verily, I say unto you, that desolation shall 
come upon this generation as a thief in the night, and 
this people shall be ^destroyed and scattered among all 
nations. 

20. And this temple which ye now see shall be 

k y 84 : 99, 100. 133 : 54. I, vers. 43, 51—53. m, Luke 20 : 

16. 21 : 23, 24. 



SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 185 

thrown down that there shall not be left n one stone 
upon another. 

21. And it shall come to pass, that this generation 
of Jews shall not pass away, until every desolation 
which I have told you concerning them shall come to 
pass. 

22. Ye say that ye know that the end of the world 
cometh ; ye say also that ye know that the heavens and 
the earth shall pass away ; 

23. And in this ye say truly, for so it is ; but these 
things which I have told you shall not pass away until 
all shall be fulfilled, 

24. And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem, 
and w r hen that day shall come, shall a remnant be 
scattered among all nations ; 

25. But they shall be gathered again, but they shall 
remain until the °times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 

26. And in that day shall be heard of wars and 
rumors of wars, and the ^whole earth shall be in com- 
motion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall 
say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the 
earth. 

27. And the love of men shall wax cold, and 
iniquity shall abound ; 

28. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, 
a slight shall break forth among them that sit in dark- 
ness, and it shall be the dullness of my gospel ; 

29. But they receive it not, for they perceive not 
the light and they turn their hearts from me because of 
the precepts of men ; 

30. And in that ^generation shall the times of the 
Gentiles be fulfilled ; 

31. And there shall be f men standing in that genera- 
tion, that shall not pass, until they shall see an over- 

n, Matt. 24 : 2. Luke 19 : 44. o, ver. 30. Luke 21 : 24. Rom. 

11 : 25—27. p, vers. 33, 63, 31, 49, 50. Luke 21 : 10, 11, 25—27. 

q, see i. r, see b. Sec. 18. s, see o. t. 29 : 18—21. 84. 

92—97, 114, 115, 117. 87 : 3—7. 97 : 22—26. 



186 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLV. 

flowing scourge ; for a "desolating sickness shall cover 
the land ; 

32. But my disciples r shall stand in holy places, 
and shall not be moved ; but among the wicked, men 
shall lift up their voices, and "'curse God and die. 

33. And there shall be ^earthquakes also in divers 
places, and many desolations ; yet men will harden 
their hearts against me, and they will Hake up the 
sword, one against another, and they will kill one another. 

34. And, now, when I the Lord had spoken these 
words unto my disciples, they were troubled : 

35. And I said unto them, be not troubled, for 
when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know 
that the promises which have been made unto you 
shall be fulfilled ; 

36. And when the light shall begin to break forth, 
it shall be with them like unto a parable which I will 
show you : 

37. Ye look and behold the fig-trees, and ye see 
them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to 
shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender, that summer 
is now nigh at hand ; 

38. Even so it shall be in that day when they shall 
see all these things, then shall they 2a know that the 
hour is nigh. 

39. And it shall come to pass that he that feareth 
me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord 
to come, even for the 2& signs of the coming of the Son 
of man : 

. 40. And they shall 2c see signs and wonders, for they 
shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the 
earth beneath ; 

41. And they shall behold blood, and fire, and 
vapors of smoke ; 

u, see t y, 63 : 24. 64 : 41—43. 87 : 8. 101 : 21, 22, 64. 

w, Rev. 16 : 21. x, 43 : 18. 45 : 33, 48. 84 : 118. 88 : 87, 90. 

2/, see p. z, see i. 2 a, see e, Sec. 1. 26, see e t See. 1. 

2 c, 88 : 88— 110. See e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 187 

42. And before the day of the Lord shall come, 
the 2(f sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned 
into blood, and stars fall from heaven ; 

43. And the remnant shall be 2c gathered unto this 
place, 

44. And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I 
will come ; and 2 ^they shall see me in the clouds of 
heaven, clothed with power and great glory, with all the 
holy angels ; and he that watches not for me shall be 
cut off. 

45. But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, 
an Mangel shall sound his trump, and the saints that 
have slept shall come forth to 2 %ieet me in the cloud ; 

46. Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace, blessed 
are you, for as you now behold me and know that I 
am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall 
live, and your redemption shall be perfected, and 
the 2z 'saints shall come forth from the four quarters of 
the earth. 

47. Then shall the 2 4rm of the Lord fall upon the 
nations, 

48. And then shall the Lord set his 2 *foot upon 
this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth 
shall 2 *tremble, and reel to and fro, and the 2wi heavens 
also shall shake, 

49. And the Lord shall 2n utter his voice, and all 
the ends of the earth shall hear it, and the 2o nations 
of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed 
shall see their folly, 

50. And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the 
scorner shall be consumed, and they that have watched 
for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. 

51. And then shall the Jews look upon me and 

2d, see n, Sec. 29. 2e t vers. 17, 25, 44, 51—53. 133: 13. 

2/, 34 : 7. 76 : 63, 102. 78: 21. 84 : 100. 88 : 94—98. 2g, see Z, Sec. 

29. 2h, see ra, Sec. 29. 2i, see,;, Sec. 10. 2j> see /and #, Sec. 1. 

2k y 133 : 20. 2 1, see x. 2 w, see e } Sec. 21. 2w, see g, 

Sec. 43. 2o, cee/ and g, Sec. 1. 



188 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLV. 

sav, 2 -PWhat are these wounds in thine hands and in 
thy feet ? 

52. Then shall they know that I am the Lord ; for 
I will say unto them, These wounds are the wounds 
with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. 
I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was cruci- 
fied. I am the Son of God. 

53. And then shall 2 ?they weep because of their 
iniquities ; then shall they lament because they per- 
cuted their King. 

54. And then shall the 2r heathen nations be re- 
deemed, and they that knew no law shall have 25 part in 
the first resurrection ; and it shall be tolerable for them ; 

55. And 2 *Satan shall be bound that he shall have 
no place in the hearts of the children of men. 

56. And at that day, when I shall come in my 
glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake con- 
cerning the 2 "ten virgins ; 

57. For they that are wise and have received the 
truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, 
and have not been deceived ; verily I say unto you, 
they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but 
shall abide the day, 

58. And the earth shall be given unto them for an 
inheritance ; and they shall 2y multiply and wax strong, 
and their children shall grow up without sin unto sal- 
vation, 

59. For the Lord shall be 2 "in their midst, and his 
glory shall be upon them, and he will be their King 
and their Lawgiver. 

60. And now, behold I say unto you, it shall not 
be given unto you to know any further concerning this 
chapter, until the New Testament be 2 ^translated, and 
in it all these things shall be made known ; 

2p, Zech. 12 : 10. 13 : 6. 2 q, Zech. 12 : 10-14. 2 r, Ezek. 

36 : 23, 36. 37 : 28. 38 : 16, 23. 39 : 7, 21, 23. 2s, 76 : 71—80. 

2«, 88 : 110. 101 : 28. 2w, 63 : 54. 2 v, 63 : 51. 101 : 29—31. 

132 : 30, 63. 2w, see e, Sec. 1. 2z, translated by inspiration. 



SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 189 

61. Wherefore I give unto you that ye may now 
translate it, that ye may be prepared for the things to 
come ; 

62. For verily I say unto you, that great things 
await you ; 

63. Ye hear of wars in foreign lands, but, behold, 
I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and 
not 2 #many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your 
own lands. 

64. Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, 2 *gather ye 
out from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves to- 
gether ye elders of my church ; go ye forth into the 
western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent, 
and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches 
unto me ; 

65. And with one heart and with one mind, gather 
up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance 
which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, 

6Q. And it shall be called the 3a New Jerusalem, a 
land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the 
saints of the most High God ; 

67. And the 3& glory of the Lord shall be there, and 
the 3c terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch 
that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be 
called 3d Zion. 

68. And it shall come to pass, among the wicked, 
that every man that will 3e not take his sword against 
his neighbor, must needs flee unto 3 ^Zion for safety. 

69. And there shall be gathered unto it out of 3 ^every 



2y, see t, Sec. 33. 2z, see j, Sec. 10. 3 a, see q, Sec. 42. 
3&, 64 : 41—43. 84 : 4, 5, 31, 32. 97 : 15- 20. 3 c, see 3&. 3 c?, 28: 
9. 39 : 13. 42 : 35. 58 : 49, 50. 59 : 3. 61 : 16, 24. 62 : 2, 4. 63 : 24, 25, 
29, 36, 39—41, 43, 48. 64 : 18, 22, 26, 34, 35, 38, 41. 6Q : 6, 11. 68 : 25, 26, 
29—32. 69 : 1, 5, 6, 8. 70 : 1, 8. 72 : 6, 13—15, 17, 18, 24, 26. 78 : 3, 9. 
82 : 12—14. 84 : 2—4, 32, 56, 58, 76, 104. 89 : 1. 90 : 32, 34, 36. 97 : 1, 
3—5, 10, 12, 18-21, 25. 99 : 6. 100 : 13. 101 : 16—18, 21, 70, 74, 75. 103 : 
1, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 24, 29, 30, 34, 35. 104 : 47, 48. 105 :'5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 34. 
107 : 59, 74. 109 : 51, 59, 111 : 2, 6. 115 : 3, 6. 117 : 9, 14. 118 : 2. 
119 : 1, 2, 5, 6, 7. 124 : 36. 133 : 4, 9, 12, 18, 20, 21, 24, 32, 56. 3 e, vers. 
33, 63, 69. 38 ; 29. C3 : 33. Sec. 87. 3/, see 3d. Z. 3tf, see;, 
Sec. 10. , 



190 



COVENANTS AND 



[SEC. XLVL 



nation under heaven; and it shall be the 3A only people 
that shall not be at war one with another. 

70. And it shall be said among the wicked, 3 *Let 
us not go up to battle against 3 -?Zion, for the inhabi- 
tants of Zion are terrible ; wherefore we cannot stand. 

71. And it shall come to pass that the righteous 
shall be gathered out from 3 *among all nations, and 
shall come to Zion, singing with 3 z songs of everlasting 

joy. 

72. And now I say unto you, keep these things from 
going abroad unto the world, until it is expedient in 
me that ye may accomplish this work in the eyes of the 
people, and in the eyes of your enemies, that they may 
not know your works until ye have accomplished the 
thing which I have commanded you ; 

73. That when they shall know it, that they may 
consider these things ; 

74. For when the Lord shall appear he shall be 
3 terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them, 
and they shall stand afar off and tremble ; 

75. And 3n all nations shall be afraid because of the 
terror of the Lord, and the power of his might. Even 
so. Amen. 



SECTION 46. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, March 8th, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye people of my church, for verily I 
say unto you, that these things were spoken unto you 
for your profit and learning ; 

2. But notwithstanding those things which are 
written, it always has been given to the elders of my 

Zh, see o, Sec. 1. Isa. 13 : 4—13. QQ l 14—16. Zi, see 3&. 
8j, see 3d. 3fr, see j, Sec. 10. T 8 J, 101 : 18. Isa. 35 ; % 
8 m, see e t Sec. 1^ 3n, see e, Sec. J^ • - — ^?. ' 



SEC. XLVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 191 

church from the beginning, and ever shall be to a con- 
duct all meetings as they are directed and guided by 
the Holy Spirit ; 

3. Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast 
any one out from your public meetings, which are held 
before the world ; 

4. Ye are also commanded not to cast any one, who 
belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meet- 
ings ; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, 6 let him not 
partake until he makes reconciliation. 

5. And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any 
out of your sacrament meetings, who are earnestly 
seeking the kingdom : I speak this concerning those 
who are not of the church. 

6. And again I say unto you, concerning your Con- 
firmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of 
the church, that are earnestly seeking after the king- 
dom, ye shall not cast them out ; 

7. But ye are commanded in all things to ask of 
God, who giveth liberally ; and that which the Spirit 
testifies unto you, even so I would that ye should do in 
all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, con- 
sidering the end of your salvation, doing all things with 
prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced 
by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the command- 
ments of men, for some are of men, and others of 
devils. 

8. Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived ; and 
that ye may not be deceived, d seek ye earnestly the 
best gifts, always remembering for what they are given ; 

9. For verily I say unto you, they are given for 
the benefit of those who love me and keep all my com- 
mandments, and him that seeketh so to do, that all 
may be benefited that seeketh or that asketh of me, 
that asketh and not for a sign that he may consume it 
u pon his lusts. 

a, i, Nep. 13 : 37. Moro. 3:4. 6:9. &, 20 : 68, 69. in. Nep. 12; 

23-26. 18 : 23-33. ^ „ c, gee a. ^i d> I. Corinth. 12 : 31. 14 : 1. 



192 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLVL 

10. And again, verily I say unto you, I would that 
ye should always remember, and always retain in your 
minds e what those gifts are, that are given unto the 
church, 

11. For all have not every gift given unto them ; 
for there are many gifts, and to ^every man is given a 
gift by the Spirit of God : 

12. To some it is given one, and to some is given 
another, that all may be profited thereby ; 

13. To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to #know 
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was 
crucified for the sins of the world ; 

14. To others it is given to believe on their words, 
that they also might have eternal life if they continue 
faithful. 

15. And again, to some it is given by the Holy 
Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it 
will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the 
Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions 
of the children of men. 

16. And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to 
some to know the diversities of operations, whether it 
be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may 
be given to every man to profit w T ithal. 

17. And again, verily I say unto you, to some it is 
given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom ; 

18. To another it is given the word of knowledge, 
that all may be taught to be wise and to have know- 
ledge. 

19. And again, to some it is given to have faith to 
be healed, 

20. And to others it is given to have faith to heal. 

21. And again, to some it is given the working of 
miracles, 

22. And to others it is given to prophesy, 

e f vers. 11—33. i. Corinth. 12 : 4—11. Moro. 10 : 7— 26. f^ /, ver. 16. 
I. Corinth. 12 ; 7. Moro. 10 ; 17. . g x see l % Sec 20. 



SEC. XL VII.] COMMANDMENTS. 193 

23. And to others the discerning of spirits. 

24. And again, it is given to some to speak with 
tongues, 

25. And to another it is given the interpretation of 
tongues : 

26. And all these gifts cometh from God, for the 
benefit ofjbhe children oi God. 

27. And unto the bishop of the church, and unto 
such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the 
church, and to be elders unto the church, are to have 
it given unto them to discern all those gifts, lest there 
shall be any among you professing and yet be not of 
God. 

28. And it shall come to pass that he that asketh 
in Spirit shall receive in Spirit ; 

29. That unto some it may be given to have ^all 
those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that 
every member may be profited thereby : 

30. He that asketh in the Spirit, asketh according to 
the will of God, wherefore it is done even as he asketh. 

31. And again, I say unto you, all things must be 
done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the 
Spirit ; 

32. And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit 
for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with ; 

33. And ye must practice virtue and holiness before 
me continually. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 47. 

Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and John Whitmer, 
given in Kirtland, Ohio, March 8th, 1831. 

1. Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant 

h t ver. 27. 



194 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLVIIL 

John should write and keep a regular "history, and 
assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things 
which shall be given you, until he is called to further 
duties. 

2. Again, verily I say unto you, that he can also 
lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expe- 
dient. 

3. And again, I say unto you, that it shall be ap- 
pointed unto him to keep the church record and history 
continually, for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to 
another office. 

4. Wherefore it shall be given him, inasmuch as he 
is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. 
Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 48. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, March, 1831. 

1. It is necessary that ye should remain for the 
present time in your places of abode, as it shall be suit- 
able to your circumstances ; 

2. And inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart 
to the "eastern brethren ; 

3. And inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them 
buy for the present time in those regions round about 
as seemeth them good, for it must needs be necessary 
that they have places to live for the present time. 

4. It must needs be necessary, that ye save all the 
money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can 

a, see a, Sec. 21. 



$ The saints who were coming from the state of N. York. 



SEC. XLIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 195 

in righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to 
purchase & land for an inheritance, even the city. 

5. The place is not yet to be revealed, but after 
your brethren c come from the east, there are to be cer- 
tain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to 
know the place, or to them it shall be revealed. 

6. And they shall be appointed to ^purchase the 
lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foun- 
dation of the city ; and then shall ye begin to be 
gathered with your families, every man according to 
his family, according to his circumstances, and as is 
appointed to him by the Presidency and the bishop of 
the church, according to the laws and commandments 
which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter 
receive. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 49. 

Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, to Sidney Rigdon, 
Parley P, Pratt, and Lemon Copley, given at Kirt- 
land, Ohio, March, 1831. 

1. Hearken unto my word, my servants Sidney, and 
Parley, and Lemon, for behold, verily I say unto you, 
that 1 give unto you a commandment that you shall go 
and preach a my gospel which ye have received, even as 
ye have received it, unto the Shakers. 

2. Behold, I say unto you, that they desire to know 
the truth in part, but not all, for they are not right 
before me and must needs repent ; 

&, see q, Sec. 42. 45 : 65. 57 : 8. 58 : 37, 51. 63 : 27. 64 : 30. 90 : 
29, 30. 101 : 18, 70. 103 : 23. 105 : 29. c, see a. . d y see b. 

e, 57 : 1-5. 84 : 2-4. 

a, see &, Sec. 18, 



196 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIX. 

3. Wherefore I send you, my servants Sidney and 
Parley, to preach the gospel unto them ; 

4. And my servant Lemon shall be ordained unto 
this work, that he may reason with them, not accord- 
ing to that which he has received of them, but accord- 
ing to that which shall be taught him by you my ser- 
vants, and by so doing I will bless him, otherwise he 
shall not prosper. 

5. Thus saith the Lord, for I am God, and have 
sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the 
redemption of the world, and have decreed that he 
that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth 
him not shall be damned. 

6. And they have done unto the Son of man even 
as they listed ; and he has taken his power on the 
right hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the 
heavens, and will reign till he ^descends on the earth 
to put all enemies under his feet, which time is nigh at 
hand : 

7. I, the Lord God, have spoken it, but the c hour 
and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in 
heaven, nor shall they know until he comes ; 

8. Wherefore I will that all men shall repent, for 
all are under sin, except them which I have reserved 
unto myself, holy men that ye know not of ; 

9. Wherefore I say unto you, that I have sent unto 
you mine d everlasting covenant, even that which was 
from the beginning, 

10. And that which I have promised I have so ful- 
filled, and the nations of the earth shall bow to it ; and, 
if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that 
which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of 
power ; 

11. Wherefore I give unto you a commandment 
that ye go among this people and say unto them, like 
unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter ; ^ 

b, sec e } Sec. 1. c, Matt. 25 : 13. d, see k, Sec h 



SEC. XLIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 197 

12. Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who 
was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and 
the end, 

13. e Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus 
Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the 
remission of sins ; 

14. And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of 
the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the 
elders of this church. 

15. And again, I say unto you, that whoso forbid- 
deth to marry is not ordained of God, for ^marriage is 
ordained of God unto man ; 

16. Wherefore it is lawful that he should have one 
wife, and they twain shall .be one flesh, and all this that 
the earth might answer the end of its creation, 

17. And that it might be filled with the measure of 
man, according to his creation before the world was 
made. 

18. And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, 
that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of 
God; 

19. For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls 
of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is or- 
dained for the use of man for food and for raiment, 
and that he might have in abundance : 

20. But it is ^not given that one man should possess 
that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth 
in sin ; 

21. And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or 
that wasteth flesh and hath no need. 

22. And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son 
of man cometh not in the form of a woman, neither of 
a man traveling on the earth ; 

23. Wherefore be not deceived, but continue in 
steadfastness, looking forth for the ^heavens to be 

e, see b, Sec. 18. /, vcr. 16. See k, Sec. 42. g, 51 ; 9. 78 ; 

5, 6. h, see c t Sec. 21. 



198 



COVENANTS AND 



[SEC. L. 



shaken, and the earth to ^tremble and to reel to and 
fro as a drunken man, and for the ^valleys to be exalted, 
and for the mountains to be made low, and for the 
rough places to become smooth ; and all this when 
the ^angel shall sound his trumpet. 

24. But before the great day of the Lord shall come, 
Jacob shall ^flourish in the wilderness, and the Laman- 
ites shall m blossom as the rose. 

25. Zion shall ^flourish upon the hills and rejoice 
upon the °mountains, and shall be assembled together 
unto the place which I have appointed. 

26. Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have com- 
manded you — repent of all your sins, ^ask and ye shall 
receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you : 

27. Behold, I will go before you and be your rear- 
ward ; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not 
be confounded ; 

28. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I ?come quickly. 
Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 50. 

Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, May, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, and give 
ear to the voice of the living God, and attend to the 
words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, accord- 
ing as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the 
church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the 
earth. 

2. Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are 



i, see x, Sec. 45. j, 133 : 22. Isa. 40 : 4. Tc, see I, Sec. 29. 
I, Ezek. 20; 33—33. m, in. Nep. 21 : 22—25. Isa. 35 : 1,2. n, see v, 
Sec. 35. o, see u, Sec. 35. p, see c t Sec. 4. q } see e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. L.] COMMANDMENTS. 199 

many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone 
forth in the earth, deceiving the world ; 

3. And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that 
he might overthrow you. 

4. Behold, I the Lord have looked upon you, and 
have seen abominations in the church that profess my 
name ; 

5. But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, 
whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal 
life. 

6. But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypo- 
crites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to 
judgment. 

7. Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypo- 
crites among you, who have deceived some, which has 
given the adversary power, but behold such shall be 
reclaimed ; 

8. But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall 
be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will ; 
and a wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for 
the same are overcome of the world ; 

9. Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that 
which is not in truth and righteousness before me. 

10. And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, 
unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together, 
that ye may understand : 

11. Let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with 
another face to face : 

12. Now when a man reasoneth he is understood of 
man, because he reasoneth as a man, even so will I, the 
Lord, reason with you that you may understand ; 

13. Wherefore I, the Lord, asketh you this question, 
unto what were ye ordained ? 

14. To preach my gospel by the ^Spirit, even the 
Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth ; 

a, 41 : 1. 76 : 29—37. 104 : 8, 9. 121 : 13—25. b, 42 : 14 



200 COVENANTS AND [sEC. L. 

15. And then received ye spirits which ye could not 
understand, and received them to be of God, and in 
this are ye justified ? 

16. Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves ; 
nevertheless I will be merciful unto you — he that is 
weak among you hereafter shall be made strong. 

17. Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of 
me and sent forth to preach the w r ord of truth by the 
Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by 
the Spirit of truth or some other way ? 

18. And if it be by some other way, it be not of 
God. 

19. And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, 
doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other 
way ? 

20. If it be some other way it be not of God : 

21. Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand 
and know that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit 
of truth, receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of 
truth ? 

22. Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that re- 
ceiveth, understandeth one another, and both are 
edified and rejoice together ; 

23. And that which doth not edify is not of God, 
and is darkness ; 

24. That which is of God is light ; and he that re- 
ceiveth light c and continueth in God, receiveth more 
light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter 
until the perfect day. 

25. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it 
that you may know the truth, that you may chase 
darkness from among you ; 

26. For he that is ordained of God and sent forth 
the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstand- 
ing he is least and the servant of all : 

a,67: 13. 93: 19,20. 



SEC. L.] COMMANDMENTS. 201 

27. Wherefore he is possessor of all things ; for d all 
things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on 
the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the 
power, sent forth by the will of the Father, through 
Jesus Christ, his Son ; 

28. But no man is possessor of all things ; ex- 
cept e he be purified and cleansed from all sin ; 

29. And if ye are purified and cleansed from all 
sin, ye shall ask ^whatsoever you will in the name of 
Jesus and it shall be done : 

30. But know this, it shall be given you what you 
shall ask, and as ye are appointed to the head, the 
spirits shall be subject unto you. 

31. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that if you 
behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, 
and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the 
Father in the name of Jesus, and if he give ^not unto 
you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of 
God: 

32. And it shall be given unto you power over that 
spirit, and you shall proclaim against that spirit with 
a loud voice that it is not of God ; 

33. Not with railing accusation, that ye be not 
overcome, neither with boasting, nor rejoicing, lest you 
be seized therewith. 

34. He that receiveth of God, let him account it 
of God, and let him rejoice that he is accounted of 
God worthy to receive, 

35. And by giving heed and doing these things 
which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter 
receive : and the ^kingdom is given you of the Father, 
and power to overcome all things which are not ordained 
of him. 

36. And behold, verily I say unto you, blessed 
are you who are now hearing these words of mine from 

d, 76 : 5—10, 53—60. 93 : 27, 28. 121 : 26—29. 132 : 20. e, ver. 
27. 93 : 27, 28. /, see c, Sec. 4. <7, vers. 29, 30. h, see x, 
Sec 35- 



202 COVENANTS AND [SEC. L. 

the mouth of my servant, for your sins are forgiven 
you. 

37. Let my servant Joseph Wakefield, in whom I 
am well pleased, and my servant Parley P. Pratt, go 
fortli among the churches and strengthen them by the 
word of exhortation ; 

38. And also my servant John Corrill, or as many 
of my servants as are ordained unto this office, and let 
them labor in the vineyard ; and let no man hin- 
der them of doing that which I have appointed unto 
them : :l. 

39. Wherefore in this thing my servant Edward 
Partridge is not justified, nevertheless let him repent 
and he shall be forgiven. 

40. Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot 
bear all things now ; ye must grow in grace and in the 
knowledge of the truth. 

41. Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and 
I have overcome the world, and you are of ^them that 
my Father hath given me ; 

42. And none of them that my Father hath given 
me shall be lost : 

43. And the Father and I are -?one : I am in the 
Father and the Father in me : and inasmuch as ye 
have received me, ye are 7l "in me and I in you ; 

44. Wherefore I am in your midst, and I am the 
good ^Shepherd, and the w Stone of Israel. He that 
buildeth upon this ?l rock shall never fall, 

45. And the day cometh that you shall hear my 
voice and °see me, and know that I am. 

46. Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even 
so. Amen. 

i, John 17 : 2—12. 10 : 27—29. j y see v., Lecture on Faith. Also 

93 : 3. in. Nep. 11 : 27. 19 : 23, 29. Ether 3 : 14. John 10 : 30. k, 8fe : 

67. 93 : 19—28. I, Mos. 3 : 14. Alma 5 : 38—60. Hela. 7 : 18. 

in. Nep. 15 : 16—24. Psalm 80 : 1—3. m, 6 : 34. 10 : 69. 33 : 13. 

65 : 2. See o, Sec. 6. Gen. 49 : 24. ?i, see m. o, 35 : 21. 67 : 

10—14. 76 : 113—119. S4 : 19—25. 88 : 47—50, 68, 75. 93 : 1. 97 : 16. 
101 : 38. 107 : 19. 110 : 1-9. 



SEC. LI.] COMMANDMENTS. 203 



SECTION 51. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Thompson, 
Geauga County, Ohio, May, 1831. 

1. Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and 
I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and 
give unto him directions, for it must need be that he 
receive directions how to organize this people ; 

2. For it must needs be that they be organized 
according to my laws — if otherwise, they will be cut 
off; 

3. Wherefore let my servant Edward Partridge, 
and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well 
pleased, appoint unto this people their portion, every 
man a equal according to their families, according to 
their circumstances, and their wants and needs. 

4. And let my servant Edward Partridge, when he 
shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a & writ- 
ing that shall secure unto him his portion, that he shall 
hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the 
church, until he trangresses and is not accounted 
worthy by the voice of the church, according to the 
laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the 
church ; 

5. And if he shall transgress and is c not accounted 
worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power 
to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto 
the bishop for the poor and needy of my church ; there- 
fore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have 
claim on that portion that is ^deeded unto him. 

6. And thus all things shall be made sure, accord- 
ing to the laws of the land. 

7. And let that which belongs to this people be 
appointed unto this people ; 

a, 49 : 20. 70 : 14. 78 : 5, 6. 82 : 17. &, ver. 5. c, 42 : 

30-39. d, vers. 4, 6. 42:37. Sec. 83. 



204 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LI. 

8. And the money which is left unto this people, 
let there be an agent appointed unto this people, to 
take the money to provide food and raiment, according 
to the wants of this people. 

9. And let every man deal honestly, and be *alike 
among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be 
one, even as I have commanded you. 

10. And let that which belongeth to this people not 
be taken and given unto that of another church ; 

11. Wherefore, if another church would receive 
money of this church, let them ^pay unto this church 
again according as they shall agree ; 

12. And this shall be done through the bishop or 
the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the 
church. 

13. And again, let the bishop appoint a ^storehouse 
unto this church, and let all things both in money and 
in meat, which is more than is needful for the want of 
this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop. 

14. And let him also reserve unto himself for his 
own wants, and for the wants of his family, as he shall 
be employed in doing this business. 

15. And thus I grant unto this people a privilege 
of organizing themselves according to A my laws ; 

16. And I consecrate unto them this land for a 
little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them 
otherwise, and command them to go hence ; 

17. And the hour and the day is not given unto 
them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for 
years, and this shall turn unto them for their good. 

18. Behold, this shall be an ^example unto my 
servant Edward Partridge, in other places, -in all 
churches. 

19. And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a Avise 

e, see a. f. 42 : 42, 53, 54. a, 42 : 34, 35. 58 : 24. 63 : 42. 

72 : 10. 7S : 3. 82 : 18. S3 : 5, 6. A, 42 : 30—39. i, Sec. 51, 

an Example for all branches of the church. 58 : 35, 36. 72 : 19-26. 119: 7. 
j, see o, Sec. 42. 



SEC. lil] commandments. 205 

steward, shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall 
inherit eternal life. 

20. Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, 
who *cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. 
Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 52. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, June 1th, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders whom 
he hath called and chosen in these last days, by the 
voice of his Spirit, 

2. Saying, I, the Lord, will make known unto you 
what I will that ye shall do from this time until the 
next conference, which shall be held in Missouri, upon 
the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which 
are a "remnant of Jacob, and them who are heirs ac- 
cording to the ^covenant. 

3. Wherefore, verily I say unto you, let my servants 
Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon take their jour- 
ney as soon as preparations can be made to leave their 
homes, and journey to the land of Missouri. 

4. And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it 
shall be made known unto them what they shall do ; 

5. And it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, 
be made c known unto them the land of your inheri- 
tance. 

6. And inasmuch as they are not faithful, they shall 
be cut off, even as I will, as seemeth me good. 

7. And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant 

k, see e, Sec. 1. 
a, the Lamanites. b, the believing Gentiles. c, see b t Sec. 25. 



206 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LIL 

Lyman Wight, and my servant John Corril take their 
journey speedily : 

8. And also my servant John Murdock, and my 
servant Hyrum Smith, take their journey unto the 
same place by the way of Detroit. 

9. And let them journey from thence preaching the 
word by the way, saying none other things than that 
which the prophets and apostles have written, and that 
which, is taught them by the Comforter through the 
pra}^er of faith. 

10. Let them go two by two, and thus let them 
preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by 
water, and the ^laying on of the hands by the water's 
side ; 

11. For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work 
short in righteousness, for the days cometh that I will 
send forth judgment unto victory. 

12. And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for 
Satan desireth to sift him as chaff. 

13. And behold, he that is faithful shall be made 
ruler over many things. 

14. And again, I will give unto you a ^pattern in 
all things, that ye may not be deceived, for Satan is 
abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the 
nations ; 

15. Wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is con- 
trite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordi- 
nances. 

16. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose 
language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he 
obey mine ordinances. 

17. And again, he that trembleth under my 
power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits 
of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and 
truths which I have given you. 

18. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth 

d, see 2;', Sec. 20. e, vers, lb— 19 ; 



BBC. lil] COMMANDMENTS. 207 

not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not 
of me ; 

19. Wherefore by this ^pattern ye shall know the 
spirits in all cases under the whole heavens. 

20. And the days have come, according to men's 
faith it shall be done unto them. 

21. Behold, this commandment is given unto all 
the elders whom I have chosen. 

22. And again, verily I say unto you, let my ser- 
vant Thomas B. Marsh, and my servant Ezra Thayre, 
take their journey also, preaching the word by the way 
unto this same land. 

23. And again, let my servant Isaac Morley, and 
my servant Ezra Booth take their journey, also preach- 
ing the word by the way unto the same land. 

24. And again, let my servants Edward Partridge 
and Martin Harris take their journey with my servants 
Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jun. 

25. Let my servants David Whitmer and Harvey 
Whitlock also take their journey and preach by the 
way unto this same land. 

26. And let my servants Parley P. Pratt and Orson 
Pratt take their journey and preach by the way, even 
unto this same land. 

27. And let my servants Solomon Hancock and 
Simeon Carter also take their journey unto this same 
land, and preach by the way. 

28. Let my servants Edson Fuller and Jacob Scott 
also take their journey. 

29. Let my servants Levi Hancock and Zebedee 
Coltrin also take their journey. 

30. Let my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Samuel 
H. Smith also take their journey. 

31. Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William 
Carter also take their journey. 

/, vers. 14-18, 



208 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LII. 

32. And let my servants Newel Knight and Selah 
J. Griffin, both be ordained, and also take their journey ; 

33. Yea, verily I say, let all these take their journey 
unto one place, in their several courses, and one man 
shall not build upon another's foundation, neither 
journey in another's track. 

34. He ,that is faithful, the same shall be kept and 
blessed with much fruit. 

35. And again, I say unto you, let my servants 
Joseph Wakefield and Solomon Humphrey take their 
journey into the eastern lands : 

36. Let them labor with their families, declaring 
none other things than the prophets and apostles, that 
which they have seen and heard, and most assuredly 
believe, that the prophecies may be fulfilled. 

37. In consequence of transgression, let that which 
was bestowed upon Heman Basset be taken from him, 
and placed upon the head of Simonds Rider. 

38. And again, verily I say unto you, let Jared 
Carter be ordained a priest, and also George James be 
ordained a priest. 

39. Let the residue of the elders watch over the 
churches, and declare the word in the regions among 
them : and let them labor with their own hands that 
there be no idolatry nor wickedness practised. 

40. And remember in all things the poor and the 
needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that ^doeth not 
these things, the same is not my disciple. 

41. And again, let my servants Joseph Smith, jun., 
and Sidney Rigdon, and Edward Partridge, take with 
them a recommend from the church. And let there 
be one obtained for my servant Oliver Cowdery also ; 

42. And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faith- 
ful, ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice 
upon the land of Missouri, which is the %nd of your 
inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies. 

g, 38 : 31—33. 42 : 37—39, 43. 56 : 16. h, see b, Sec. 25, 



SEC. im.] COMMANDMENTS. 209 

43. But, behold, I the Lord, will hasten the 'city 
in its time, and will crown the faithful with joy and 
with rejoicing. 

44. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 
and I will 'lift them up at the last day. Even so. 
Amen. 



SECTION 53. 



Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, to Sidney Gilbert, 
given at Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831. 

1. Behold, I say unto you my servant Sidney Gil- 
bert, that I have heard your prayers, and you have 
called upon me that it should be made known unto you 
of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and 
election in this church, which I, the Lord, have Raised 
up in these last days. 

2. Behold, I, the Lord,, who w r as crucified for the 
sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that 
you shall forsake the world. p ,..j 

3. Take upon you mine ordinances, even that of an 
elder, to preach ^faith and repentance, and remission of 
sins, according to my word, and the reception of the 
Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. 

4. And also to be an agent unto this church in the 
place which shall be appointed by the bishop, according 
to commandments which shall be given hereafter. 

5. And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take 
your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, jun., and 
Sidney Rigdon. 

6. Behold, these are the first ordinances which you 

i, Beej t Sec. 10. j, see w, Sec. 5. 

a, see a t Sec. 1. t> % see &, Sec. 18. 



210 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LIV. 

shall receive, and the residue shall be known in a time 
to come, according to your labor in my vineyard. 

7. And again, I would that ye should learn that it 
is he only who is saved that endureth unto the end. 
Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 54. 



Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, to Newel Knight, 
given at Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and 
Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was 
crucified for the sins of the world. 

2. Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, my servant 
Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office where- 
with I have appointed you ; 

3. And if your brethren desire to escape their ene- 
mies, let them repent of all tiieir sins, and become truly 
humble before me and contrite ; 

4. And as the covenant which they made unto 
me ^has been broken, even so it has become void and 
of none effect ; 

5. And & wo to liim by whom this offence cometh, for 
it had been better for him that he had been drowned in 
the depth of the sea ; - 

6. But blessed are they who have kept the covenant 
and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain 
mercy. 

7. Wherefore, go to now and c flee the land, lest 
your enemies come upon you ; and take your journey, 
and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to 
pay monies for you. 

a, see Sec. 51. b, a wealth}- owner of lands in Thompson, c, Saints 
from Colesville, N. Y., temporarily located at Thompson. ^ 



SEC. LV.] COMMANDMENTS. 211 

8. And thus you shall take your journey into the 
regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the 
borders of the Lamanites. 

9. And after you have done journeying, behold, I 
say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I 
prepare a place for you. 

10. And again, be patient in tribulation until I 
come ; and, behold, I d come quickly, and my reward is 
with me, and they who have sought me e early shall find 
rest to their souls. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 55. 



Bevelation through Joseph, the Seer, to William W. 
Phelps, given at Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my ser- 
vant William, yea, even the Lord of the whole earth, 
thou art called and chosen, and after thou hast 
been "baptized by water, which, if you do with an eye 
single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your 
sins, and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying 
on of hands ; 

2. And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of 
my servant Joseph Smith, jun., to be an elder unto 
this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins 
by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the 
Son of the living God ;]. 

3. And on whomsoever you 6 shall lay your hands, 
if they are contrite before me, you shall have power to 
give the Holy Spirit. 

d, see e, Sec. 1. e, the Colesville saints were among the first who 

received the Gospel. . 

CVSeo l t Sec. 5. , &, see 2j, Sec. 20* 



212 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LVI. 

4. And again, you shall be ordained to assist my 
servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, 
and of selecting, and writing c books for schools in this 
church, that little children also may receive instruction 
before me as is pleasing unto me. 

5. And again, verily I say unto you, for this cause 
you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph 
Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that you may be 
planted in the land of your inheritance to do this work. 

6. And again, let my servant Joseph Coe also take 
his journey with them. The residue shall be made 
known hereafter, even as I will. Amen. 



SECTION 56. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, June, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye people who profess my name, 
saith the Lord your God, for behold, mine anger is 
kindled against the rebellious, and they shall know 
mine arm and mine indignation, in the a day of visi- 
tation and of wrath upon the nations. 

2. And he that will not take up his cross and follow 
me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not 
be saved. 

3. Behold, I, the Lord, command, and he that will 
not obey, shall be cut off in mine own due time, and 
after that I have commanded, and the commandment 
is broken ; 

4. Wherefore I, the Lord, command 6 and revoke, 

c s 83 : 118. 90 : 15. 97 : 3-6. 



a, see/ and g, Sec. 1. b, Id : 5. 56 : 4-6 58 j 32. 61 : 19. 



SEC. LVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 213 

as it seemeth me good ; and all this to be answered 
upon the heads of the rebellious, saith the Lord ; 

5. Wherefore, I revoke the commandment which 
was given unto my servants Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra 
Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my ser- 
vant Thomas, that he shall take up his journey speedily, 
to the land of Missouri, and my servant Selah J. Griffin 
shall also go with him ; 

6. For behold, I revoke the commandment which 
was given unto my servants Selah J. Griffin and Newel 
Knight, in consequence of the stiff-neckedness of my 
people which are in Thompson, and their rebellions ; 

7. Wherefore, let my servant Newel Knight remain 
with them, and as many as will go may go, that are 
contrite before me, and be led by him to the land 
which I have appointed. 

8. And again, verily I say unto you, that my ser- 
vant Ezra Thayre must repent of his pride, and of his 
selfishness, and obey the former commandment which I 
have given him concerning the place upon w r hich he lives ; 

9. And if he will do this, as there shall be no divi- 
sions made upon the land, he shall be appointed still to 
go to the land of Missouri ; 

10. Otherwise he shall receive the money which he 
has paid, and shall leave the place, and shall be cut off 
out of my church, saith the Lord God of hosts ; 

11. And though the heaven and the earth pass 
away, these words shall not pass away, but shall be 
fulfilled. 

12. And if my servant Joseph Smith, jun., must 
needs pay the money ; behold, I, the Lord, will pay it 
unto him again in the land of Missouri, that those of 
whom he shall receive may be rewarded again, accord- 
ing to that which they do ; 

13. For according to that which they do, they shall 
receive, even in lands for their inheritance. 

14. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people, you 
have many things to do and to repent of ; for behold, 



214 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVII. 

your sins have come up unto me, and are not par- 
doned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways. 

15. And your hearts are not satisfied. And ye obey 
not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 

16. c Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your 
substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your 
souls ; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of 
visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation — The 
harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is 
not saved ! 

17. d Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not 
broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies 
are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from 
laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full 
of greediness, who will not labor w T ith your own hands ! 

18. But ^blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, 
whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, 
for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power 
and great glory unto their deliverance ; for the fatness 
of the earth shall be theirs. 

19. For behold, the Lord shall come, and his re- 
compense shall be with him, and he shall reward every 
man, and the poor shall rejoice ; 

20. And ^their generations shall inherit the earth 
from generation to generation, for ever and ever. And 
now I make an end of speaking unto you. Even so. 
Amen. 



SECTION 57. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Zion, in 
Jackson County, Missouri, July, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, saith the 

c, 104 : 18. 105 : 3. d, Mos. 4 : 24—27. e, vers. 19, 20. 
in. Nep. 12 : 3. Isa. 29 : 19. /, vers. 18, 19. 38 : 16-20. Isa. 29 : 19. 



SEC. LVII.] commandments. 215 

Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, 
according to my commandments, in this land, which is 
the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have a ap- 
pointed and consecrated for the gathering of the 
saints : 

2. Wherefore this is the land of promise, and 
the ^place for the city of Zion. 

3. And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will 
receive wisdom, here is wisdom. Behold, the place 
which is now called Independence, is the center place, 
and a c spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot 
which is not far from the court house ; 

4. Wherefore it is wisdom that the land should 
be ^purchased by the saints ; and also every tract lying 
westward, even unto the line running directly between 
Jew and Gentile. 

5. And also every tract bordering by the prairies, 
inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. 
Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for 
an ^everlasting inheritance. 

6. And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the 
office which I have appointed him, to receive monies, 
to be an •'agent unto the church, to buy land in all 
the regions round about, inasmuch as can be in right- 
eousness, and as wisdom shall direct. 

7. And let my servant Edward Partridge, stand 
in the office which I have appointed him, to ^divide 
the saints their inheritance, even as I have com- 
manded ; and also those whom he has appointed to 
assist him. 

8. And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant 
Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish 
a store, that he may sell goods without fraud, that he 
may obtain money A to buy lands for the good of the 

a, see j, Sec. 10. b, see q, Sec. 42. c, 58 : 57. 84 : 3—5, 
31. d, see q, Sec. 42. Also b, Sec. 48. e, 38 : 16—20. See b, 
Sec. 25. /, 53 : 4. 57 : 8—10, 14, 15. g, 41 : 9—11. 42 : 30—39, 
71—73. Sec. 51. 58 : 17, 18. h> see b, Sec. 48. 



216 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVII, 

saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things 
the disciples^may need to plant them in their inheri- 
tance. 

9. And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain 
a license — (behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth 
let him understand) — that he may send goods also unto 
the ^people, even by whom he will, as clerks employed 
in his service, 

10. And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel 
may be preached unto those 'who sit in darkness, and 
in the region and shadow of death. 

11. And again, verily I say unto you, let my ser- 
vant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and 
be established as a printer unto the church ; 

12. And lo, if the world receiveth his writings — 
(behold here is wisdom) — let him obtain whatsoever 
he can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the 
saints. 

13. And let my servant Oliver Cowdery, assist him, 
even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall 
appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select, 
that all things may be right before me, as it shall be 
proved by the Spirit through him. 

14. And thus let those of whom I have spoken be 
planted in the land of *Zion, as speedily as can be, 
with their families, to do those things even as I have 
spoken. 

15. And now concerning the gathering. Let the 
bishop and the agent make preparations for those 
families which have been commanded to come to this 
land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheri- 
tance. 

16. And unto the residue of both elders and mem- 
bers, further directions shall be given hereafter. Even 
so. Amen. 



i the Lamanites. j, the Lainanitea k, see b, Sec 25. 



SEC. LVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 217 



SECTION 58. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Zion, in 
Jackson County, Missouri ) August 1st, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, and give 
ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning 
you, and also concerning this land unto which I have 
sent you : 

2. For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that 
keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in 
death ; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the re- 
ward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. 

3. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for 
the present time, the design of your God concerning 
those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory 
which shall follow after much tribulation. 

4. For after a much tribulation cometh the bless- 
ings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be 
crowned with much glory ; the hour is not yet, but is 
nigh at hand. 

5. Remember this, which I tell you before, that 
you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall 
follow. 

6. Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I 
have sent you that you might be obedient, and that 
your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the 
things which are to come ; 

7. And also that you might be honored of laying 
the foundation, and of bearing record of the land upon 
which the *Zion of God shall stand ; 

8. And also that a feast of fat things might be pre- 
pared for the poor ; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine 
on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that 
the mouths of the prophets shall not fail ; 

a, 103 : 11—14. b, see q Sec 42. 



218 COVENANTS AND [SEG. LVIIL 

9. Yea a supper of the house of the Lord, well pre- 
pared, unto which all nations shall be invited. 

10. Firstly, the rich and the learned, the wise and 
the noble ; 

11. And after that cometh the c day of my power : 
then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the 
deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and par- 
take of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great 
day to come. 

12. Behold, I, the Lord, have spoken it. 

13. And that the testimony might go forth from 
d Zion, yea, from the mouth of the city of the heritage 
of God : 

14. Yea, for this cause I have sent you hither, and 
have selected my servant Edward Partridge, and have 
appointed unto him his mission in this land ; 

15. But if he repent not of his sins, which are un- 
belief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he 
fall. 

16. Behold his mission is given unto him, and it 
shall not be given again. 

17. And whoso standeth in his mission is appointed 
to be a *judge in Israel, like as it was in ancient days, 
to divide the lands of the heritage of God unto his 
children, 

18. And to judge his people by the testimony of the 
just, and by the assistance of his counselors, according 
to the laws of the kingdom w T hich are given by the 
prophets of God ; 

19. For verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept 
on this land. 

20. Let no man think he is ruler, but let God rule 
him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own 
will ; or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth 
upon the judgment seat. 

c, 90 : 9—11. Luke 14 : 16—24. d, see q, Sec. 42. e, ver. 18. 

64 : 40. 107 : 72—74. 



SEC. LVIII.] commandments. 219 

21. Let no man HDreak the laws of the land, for he 
that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break 
the laws of the land : 

22. Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, 
until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues 
all enemies under his feet. 

23. Behold, the laws which ye have received from 
my hand are the laws of the church, and in this light 
ye shall" hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom. 

24. And now as I spake concerning my servant 
Edward Partridge, this land is the land of his residence, 
and those whom he has appointed for his counselors. 
And also the land of the residence of him whom I have 
appointed to keep my store-house ; 

25. Wherefore let them bring their families to this 
land, as they shall counsel between themselves and me : 

26. For behold, it is not meet that I should com- 
mand in all things, for he that is compelled in all things, 
the same is a slothful and not a wise servant ; where- 
fore he receiveth no reward. 

27. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged 
in a good cause, and do #many things of their own free 
will, and bring to pass much righteousness ; 

28. For the power is in them, wherein they are 
agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good 
they shall in nowise lose their reward. 

29. But he that doeth not anything until he is 
commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubt- 
ful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is 
damned. 

30. Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that 
will hold him guiltless that obeys not my command- 
ments ? 

31. Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised 
and have not fulfilled ? 

/, the Constitutional laws of the U.S.A. 98 : 4—15. 101 : 76—80. 
g> vers. 28, 29. 



220 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVIII, 

32. I command and a man obeys not, I revoke and 
they receive not the blessing ; 

33. Then they say in their hearts, this is not the 
work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. 
But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, 
and not from above. 

34. And now I give unto you further directions 
concerning this land. 

35. It is wisdom in me that my servant Martin 
Harris should be an example unto the church, in ^laying 
his monies before the bishop of the church. 

36. And also, this is a ? law unto every man that 
cometh unto this land, to receive an inheritance ; and 
he shall do with his monies according as the law directs. 

37. And it is wisdom also, that there should be 
lands purchased in Independence, for the place of the 
store-house, and also for the house of the printing. 

38. And other directions concerning my servant 
Martin Harris shall be given him of the Spirit, that he 
may receive his inheritance as seemeth him good. 

39. And let him repent of his sins, for he seeketh 
the praise of the world. 

40. And also let my servant "William W. Phelps 
stand in the office which I have appointed him, and 
receive his inheritance in the land ; 

41. And also he hath need to repent, for I, the Lord, 
am not well pleased with him, for he seeketh to excel, 
and he is not sufficiently meek before me. 

42. Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the 
same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remembereth them 
no more. 

43. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his 
sins. Behold, he will ^'confess them and forsake them. 

44. And now, verily, I say, concerning the residue 
of the elders of my church, the time has not yet come, 
for many years, for them to receive their inheritance in 

h, see n, Sec. 42. i, see n, Sec. 42. j, 42 : 25. 



SEC. LVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 221 

this land, except they desire it through the prayer of 
faith, only as it shall be appointed unto them of the Lord. 

45. For, behold, they shall *push the people together 
from the ends of the earth ; 

46. Wherefore, assemble yourselves together, and 
they who are not appointed to stay in this land, let 
them preach the gospel in the regions round about, and 
after that let them return to their homes. 

47. Let them preach by the way, and bear testi- 
mony of the truth in all places, and call upon the rich, 
the high and the low, and the poor to repent ; 

48. And let them build up churches inasmuch as 
the inhabitants of the earth will repent. 

49. And let there be an agent appointed by the 
voice of the church, unto the church in Ohio, to receive 
monies to ^purchase lands in Zion. 

50. And I give unto my servant, Sidney Rigdon, 
a commandment that he shall write a description of the 
land of Zion, and a statement of the will of God, as it 
shall be made known by the Spirit unto him ; 

51. And an epistle and subscription, to be presented 
unto all the churches to obtain monies, to be put into 
the hands of the bishop to ^purchase lands for an in- 
heritance for the children of God, of himself or the 
agent, as seemeth him good or as he shall direct. 

52. For, behold, verily I say unto you, the Lord 
willeth that the disciples, and the children of men 
should open their hearts, even to purchase this whole 
region of country, as soon as time will permit. 

53. Behold, here is wisdom. Let them do this lest 
they receive n none inheritance, save it be by the shed- 
ding of blood. 

54. And again, inasmuch as there is land obtained, 
let there be workmen sent forth of all kinds unto this 
land, to labor for the saints of God. 



k, 58 : 45. Deut. 33 ; 17. " I, see q, Sec. 42. m t see q, Sec. 42. 

71, 63 ; 27-31. - 



222 COVENANTS AND [SEC, LVIII. 

55. Let all these things be done in order ; and let 
the privileges of the lands be made known from time 
to time, by the bishop or the agent of the church ; 

56. And let the work of the fathering be not in 
haste, nor by flight, but let it be done as it shall be 
counseled by the elders of the church at the confer- 
ences, according to the knowledge which they receive 
from, time to time. 

57. And let my servant Sidney Rigdon ^consecrate 
and dedicate this land, and the spot of the temple 
unto the Lord. 

58. And let a conference meeting be called, and 
after that let my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph 
Smith, jun., return, and also Oliver Cowdery with 
them, to accomplish the residue of the work which I 
have appointed unto them in their own land, and the 
residue as shall be ruled by the conferences. 

59. And let no man return from this land, except 
he bear record by the way of that which he knows and 
most assuredly believes. 

60. Let that which has been bestowed upon ?Ziba 
Peterson be taken from him ; and let him stand as a 
member in the church, and labor w T ith his own hands, 
with the brethren, until he is sufficiently chastened for 
all his sins, for he confesseth them not, and he thinketh 
to hide them. 

61. Let the residue of the elders of this church, 
who are coming to this land, some of whom are exceed- 
ingly blessed even above measure, also hold a confer- 
ence upon this land. 

62. And let my servant Edward Partridge direct 
the conference which shall be held by them. 

63. And let them also return, preaching the gospel 
by the way, bearing record of the things which are re- 
vealed unto them ; 

64. For, verily, the sound must go forth from this 

» ■'■ - ■ ■ . ■ — T 

OjSeej, Sec. 10. , p t 84; 3, i* ■ q, 32 : 3.j 



SEC. LIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 223 

place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts 
of the earth — r the gospel must be preached unto every 
creature, with signs following them that believe. 

65. And behold the s Son of man cometh. Amen. 



SECTION 59. 



Revelation given through Joseph the Seer, in Zion, in 
Jackson County, Missouri, August 1th, 1831. 

1. Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who 
have come up unto this land with an eye single to my 
glory, according to my commandments ; 

2. For them that live shall inherit the earth, and 
them that die' shall rest from all their labors, and their 
works shall follow them, and they shall receive a crown 
in the "mansions of my Father, which I have prepared 
for them ; 

3. Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the 
land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they 
shall receive for their reward the good things of the 
earth ; and it shall bring forth in its strength ; 

4. And they shall also be crowned with blessings 
from above, yea, and with commandments not a few ; 
and with revelations in their time : they that are faith- 
ful and diligent before me. 

5. "Wherefore I give unto them a commandment, 
saying thus : & Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength ; 
and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him. 

6. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Thou 

r, see b, Sec. 18. s, see e, Sec. 1. 

_ a, 76 : 111. 81 : 6. 98 : 18. 106 : 8. Enos. 1 : 27. Ether 12 : 32—34. 
l> 42 ; 29. Deut. 6 : 5. 



224 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LIX. 

shalt not steal ; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor 
do anything like unto it. 

7. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. 

8. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy 
God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and 
a contrite spirit. 

9. And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself 
unspotted from the world, thou shalt c go to the house 
of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day ; 

10. For verily this is a day appointed unto you 
to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto 
the Most High ; 

*• 11. Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in 
righteousness on all days and at all times ; 

12. But remember that on this the ^Lord's day, 
thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto 
the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, 
and before the Lord. 

13. And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, 
only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart 
that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that 
thy joy may be full. 

14. Verily, this is fasting and prayer ; or in other 
words, rejoicing and prayer. 

15. And inasmuch as ye do these things with 
thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances ; 
not with e much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad 
heart and a cheerful countenance ; 

16. Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the 
fullness of the earth is yours : the beasts of the field 
and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon 
the trees and walketh upon the earth ; 

17. Yea, and the herb, and the goods things which 
cometh of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, 
or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gar- 
dens, or for vineyards ; 

c, 68 : 29. Alma 1 : 26, 27. 1" rf, 68 : 29. e, 88 : 69, 121. 



SEC. LX.] COMMANDMENTS. 225 

18. Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the 
season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of 
man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart ; 

19. Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for 
smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. 

20. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all 
these things unto man ; for unto this end were they 
made to be used with judgment, not to excess, neither 
by extortion : 

21. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against 
none is his wrath kindled, save those -%ho confess not 
his hand in all things, and obey not his command- 
ments. 

22. Behold, this is according to the law and the 
prophets : wherefore, trouble me no more concerning 
this matter, 

23. But learn that he who doeth the works of right- 
eousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this 
world, and eternal life in the world to come. 

24. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and the Spirit 
beareth record. Amen. 



SECTION 60. 

'Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, in Jackson 
County, Missouri, August 8th, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of 
his church, who are to return speedily to the land from 
whence they came. Behold, it pleaseth me, that you 
have come up hither ; 

2. But with some I am not well pleased, for they 
will not open their mouths, but hide the talent which I 

/, Job 1 : 21. 2 : 10 



226 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LX. 

have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo 
unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them. 

3. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more 
faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that 
which they have ; 

4. For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and 
among the armies of the earth ; and in the day when 
I shall make up my a jewels, all men shall know what it 
is that bespeaketh the power of God. 

' 5. But verily, I will speak unto you concerning 
your journey unto the land from w T hence you came. 
Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you 
good, it matter eth not unto me, and take your journey 
speedily for the place which is called St. Louis. 

6. And from thence let my servants Sidney Rigdon, 
and Joseph Smith, jr., and Oliver Cowdery, take their 
journey for Cincinnati ; 

7. And in this place let them lift up their voice and 
declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or 
doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am 
able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you. 

8. And let the residue take their journey from St. 
Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, 
among the congregations of the wicked, until they 
return to the churches from w r hence they came. 

9. And all this for the good of the churches ; for 
this intent have I sent them. 

10. And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of 
the money which I have given him, a portion unto mine 
elders who are commanded to return ; 

11. And he that is able, let him return it by the 
w r ay of the agent, and he that is not, of him it is not 
required. 

12. And now I speak of the residue who are to 
come unto this land. 

13. Behold, they have been sent to preach my 

a, 101 : 3, 



6EC. LXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 227 

gospel among the congregations of the wicked ; where* 
fore, I give unto them a commandment thus : Thou 
shalt not ft idle away thy time, neither shalt thou c bury 
thy talent that it may not be known. 

14. And after thou hast come up unto the land of 
Zion, and hast proclaimed my word, thou shalt speedily 
return, proclaiming my word among the congregations 
of the wicked, not in haste, neither in wrath nor with 
strife ; 

15. And ^shake off the dust of thy feet against 
those who receive thee not ; not in their presence, lest 
thou provoke them ; but in secret, and wash thy feet, 
as a testimony against them in the day of judgment. 

16. Behold, this is sufficient for you, and the will of 
him who hath sent you. 

17. And by the mouth of my servant Joseph Smith, 
jun., it shall be made known concerning Sidney Rigdon 
and Oliver Cowdery. The residue hereafter. Even so. 
Amen. 



SECTION 61. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the bank 
of the Missouri river, Mcllwairs Bend, August 
12th, 1831. 

1. Behold, and hearken unto the voice of him who 
has all power, who is from Everlasting to everlasting, 
even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. 

2. Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, 
ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this 

&, see u, Sec. 42. C, vers. 2—4. d, 75 : 20. 84 : 92-95. 

88 : 138-141. 99 : 4, 

a, see a, Sec. 39. 



228 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXI* 

spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I, the Lord, 
forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess 
their sins with humble hearts ; 

3. But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful 
for this whole company of mine elders to be moving 
swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either 
side are perishing in unbelief ; 

4. Nevertheless, I suffered it that ye might bear 
record ; behold, there are many dangers upon the 
waters, and more especially hereafter ; 

5. For I, the Lord, have decreed in mine anger, 
many destructions upon the waters; yea, and especially 
upon these waters ; 

6. Nevertheless, all flesh is in mine hand, and he 
that is faithful among you shall not perish by the 
waters. 

7. Wherefore it is expedient that my servant Sidney 
Gilbert, and my servant William W. Phelps, be in haste 
upon their errand and mission ; 

8. Nevertheless I would not suffer that ye should 
part until you are chastened for all your sins, that you 
might be one, that you might not perish in wickedness ; 

9. But now, verily I say, it behoveth me that ye 
should part, wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert 
and William W. Phelps take their former company, 
and let them take their journey in haste that they may 
fill their mission, and through faith they shall over- 
come ; 

10. And inasmuch as they are faithful they shall 
be preserved, and I, the Lord, will be with them. 

11. And let the residue take that which is needful 
for clothing. 

12. Let my servant Sidney Gilbert take that which 
is not needful with him, as you shall agree. 

13. And now, behold, for your good I gave unto you 
a commandment concerning these things ; and I, the 
Lord l will reason with you as with men in days of old. 



SEC. LXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 229 

14. Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed 
the waters, but in the last days, by the mouth of my 
servant John, I ^cursed the waters ; 

15. Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh 
shall be safe upon the waters, 

16. And it shall be said in days to come that none 
is able to go up to the land of Zion upon the waters, 
but he that is upright in heart. 

17. And, as I, the Lord, in the beginning cursed 
the land, even so in the last days have I blessed it, in 
its time, for the use of my saints, that they may par- 
take the fatness thereof. 

18. And now I give unto you a commandment that 
what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall fore- 
warn your brethren concerning ^hese waters, that they 
come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail 
and they are caught in her snares ; 

19. I, the Lord, have decreed, and the destroyer 
rideth upon the face thereof, and I revoke not the 
decree ; 

20. I, the Lord, was angry with you yesterday, but 
to-day mine anger is turned away. 

21. Wherefore, let those concerning whom I have 
spoken, that should take their journey in haste ; again 
1 say unto you, let them take their journey in haste, 

22. And it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if 
it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go 
by water or by land ; let this be as it is made known 
unto them according to their judgments hereafter. 

23. And now, concerning my servants Sidney Rigdon, 
and Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cowdery, let them 
come not again upon the waters, save it be upon the 
canal, while journeying unto their homes, or in other 
words they shall not come upon the waters to journey, 
save upon the canal. 

24. Behold, I, the Lord, have appointed a way for 

&, vers. 15, 16, 18, 19. c, the Missouri river. 



230 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXX. 

the journeying of my saints, and behold, this is the 
way — that after they leave the canal, they shall journey 
by land, inasmuch as they are commanded to journey 
and go up unto the land of Zion ; 

25. And they shall do like unto the children of 
Israel, pitching their tents by the way. 

26. And, behold, this commandment you shall give 
unto all your brethren ; 

27. Nevertheless unto whom it is given power to 
command the waters, unto him it is given by the Spirit 
to know all his ways ; 

28. Wherefore let him do as the Spirit of the living 
God commandeth him, whether upon the land or upon 
the waters, as it remaineth with me to do hereafter ; 

29. And unto you it is given the course for the 
saints, or the way for the saints of the camp of the 
Lord, to journey. 

30. And again, verily I say unto you, my servants 
Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver 
Cowdery, shall not open their mouths in the congrega- 
tions of the wicked, until they arrive at Cincinnati ; 

31. And in that place they shall lift up their voices 
unto God against that people ; yea unto him whose 
anger is kindled against their wickedness ; a people 
who are well nigh ripened for destruction ; 

32. And from thence let them journey for the con- 
gregations of their brethren, for their labors even now, 
are wanted more abundantly among them, than among 
the congregations of the wicked. 

33. And now concerning the residue, let them 
journey and declare the word among the congregations 
of the wicked, inasmuch as it is given ; 

34. And inasmuch as they do this, they shall rid 
their garments, and they shall be spotless before me ; 

35. And let them journey together, or two by two, 
as seemeth them good, only let my servant Reynolds 
Cahoon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom 



SEC. LXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 231 

I am well pleased, be not separated until they return 
to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me. 

36. And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say 
unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer little chil- 
dren, for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken 
you; 

37. And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves 
before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. 

38. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be 
sober, looking forth for the ^coming of the Son of Man, 
for he cometh in an hour you think not. 

39. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, 
that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in 
life or in death. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 62. 

Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the hank 
of the Missouri river, August 13th, 1831. 

1. Behold, and hearken ye elders of my church, 
saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your a ad- 
vocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to 
succor them who are tempted ; 

2. And verily mine eyes are upon those who have 
not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion ; wherefore 
your mission is not yet full ; 

3. Nevertheless ye are blessed, for the testimony 
which ye have borne, is recorded in heaven for the 
angels to look upon, and they rejoice over you, and 
your sins are forgiven you. 

d, see x, Sec. 35. e, sec e, See. 1. 

a, 45 : 3—5. 



232 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII. 

4. And now continue your journey. Assemble your- 
selves upon the 6 land of Zion, and hold a meeting and 
rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most 
High; 

5. And then you may return to bear record, yea, 
even altogether, or two by two, as seemeth you good ; 
it mattereth not unto me, only be faithful, and declare 
glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among 
the congregations of the wicked. 

6. Behold, I, the Lord, have brought you together 
that the promise might be fulfilled, that the faithful 
among you should be preserved and rejoice together in 
the land of Missouri. I, the Lord, promised the faith- 
ful and cannot lie. 

7. I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you 
desireth to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in 
chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he receive it 
from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in 
all things. 

8. These things remain with you to do according to 
judgment and the directions of the Spirit. 

9. Behold, the c kingdom is yours. And behold, 
and lo, I am with the faithful always. Even so. 
Amen. 



SECTION 63. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, 
about the last of August, 1831. 

1. Hearken, ye people, and open your hearts and 
give ear from afar ; and listen, you that call yourselves 
the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord 
and his will concerning you : 

b, see q t Sec. 42. c, see x % Sec. 35. 



SEC. LXm.] COMMANDMENTS. 233 

2. Yea, verily, I say, hear the word of liim whose 
anger is kindled against the wicked and rebellious ; 

3. Who willeth to take even them whom he will 
take, and preserveth in life them whom he will pre- 
serve ; 

4. Who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure ; 
and destroyeth when he pleases, and is able to cast the 
soul down to hell. 

5. Behold, I, the Lord, utter my voice, and it shall 
be obeyed. 

6. Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take 
heed, and let the rebellious fear and tremble ; and let 
the unbelieving hold their lips, a for the day of wrath 
shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh 
shall know that I am God. 

7. And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but 
not unto salvation. 

8. Verily, I say unto you, there are those among 
you who seek signs, and there have been such even 
from the beginning ; 

9. But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs 
follow those that believe. 

10. Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of 
men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. 

11. Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, 
for without faith no man pleaseth God : and with whom 
God is angry he is not well pleased ; Wherefore, unto 
such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their 
condemnation, 

12. Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased w T ith 
those among you who have sought after signs and won- 
ders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my 
glory ; 

13. Nevertheless, I give commandments, and many 
have turned away from my commandments and have 
not kept them. 

a, see / and g, Sec. 1. 



234 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIIL 

14. There were among you ^adulterers and adul- 
teresses ; some of whom have turned away from you, 
and others remain with you, that hereafter shall be 
revealed. 

15. Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judg- 
ment shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly 
shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow 
them in the eyes of the people. 

16. And, verily, I say unto you, as I have said 
before, c he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, 
or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they 
shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and 
shall fear : 

17. Wherefore I, the Lord, have d said that the 
fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whoso- 
ever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, 
and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake 
which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the 
second death. 

18. Verily I say, that they shall not have part in 
the ''first resurrection. 

19. And now, behold, I, the Lord, say unto you, 
that ye are not justified because these things are 
among you ; 

20. Nevertheless he that endureth in faith and 
doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall re- 
ceive an ^inheritance upon the earth when the day of 
transfiguration shall come ; 

21. When the earth shall be transfigured, even 
according to the pattern which was shown unto mine 
apostles upon the mount ; of which account the fullness 
ye have not yet received. 

22. And now, verily, I say unto you, that as I said 
that I would make known my will unto you, behold I 
will make it known unto you, not by the way of com- 

6, see m, Sec. 42. c, see m, Sec. 42. d, ver. 18. Rev. 21 : 8. 

«, ver. 17. Rev. 20 : 6. /, see b, Sec. 25. 



SEC. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 235 

mandment, for there are many who observe not to keep 
my commandments ; 

23. But unto him that keepeth my commandments, 
I will give the ^mysteries of my kingdom, and the same 
shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto 
everlasting life. 

24. And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord 
your God concerning his saints, that they should as- 
semble themselves together unto the A land of Zion, not 
in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth 
pestilence. 

25. Behold, the land of Zion, I, the Lord, holdeth 
it in mine own hands ; 

26. Nevertheless, I, the Lord, rendereth unto Caesar 
the things which are Caesar's : 

27. Wherefore, I the Lord, willeth that you should 
^purchase the lands that you may have advantage of 
the world, that you may have claim on the world, that 
they may not be stirred up unto anger ; 

28. For Satan putteth it into their hearts to anger 
against you, and to the shedding of blood ; 

29. Wherefore the land of Zion shall not be ob- 
tained but by •''purchase or by blood, otherwise there is 
none inheritance for you. 

30. And if by purchase, behold you are blessed ; 

31. And if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed 
blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be 
scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to syna- 
gogue, and but *few shall stand to receive an inheritance. 

32. I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked ; I am 
holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth. 

33. I have sworn in my wrath, and ^decreed wars 
upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay 
the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man, 

g, see 2 », Sec. 42. h, see q, Sec. 42. i, see q, Sec. 42. j, vera. 

SO, 31. 58 : 53. 101 : 70—75. k t 84 : 58. 97 : 26. 112 : 24— 20. 

I, see/, Sec. 1. 



236 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII 

34. And the saints also shall hardly escape ; never- 
theless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will w come 
down in heaven from the presence of my Father, and 
consume the w T icked with Unquenchable fire. 

35. And behold, this is not yet, but by and by ; 

36. Wherefore, seeing that I, the Lord, have decreed 
all these things upon the face of the earth, I will that 
my. saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion ; 

37. And that every man should take righteousness 
in his hands and faithfulness upon his loins, and lift a 
warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth ; and 
declare both by word and by flight, that °desolation 
shall come upon the wicked. 

38. Wherefore let my disciples in Kirtland arrange 
their temporal concerns, which dwell upon this farm. 

39. Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the 
care thereof, dispose of the land, that he may be pre- 
pared in the coming spring to take his journey up unto 
the land of Zion, with those that dwell upon the face 
thereof, excepting those whom I shall reserve unto my- 
self, that shall not go until I shall command them. 

40. And let all the monies which can be spared, it 
mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much, be 
sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I 
have ^appointed to receive. 

41. Behold, I, the Lord, will give unto my servant 
Joseph Smith, jun., power that he shall be enabled to 
discern by the Spirit those who shall go up unto the 
land of Zion, and those of my disciples who shall 
tarry. 

42. Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his 
store, or in other words, the store yet for a little season. 

43. Nevertheless let him impart all the money 
which he can impart, to be sent up unto the land of 
Zion. 

m, see e, Sec. 1. n, ver. 54. 19 : 6—16. 76 : 44—49. O, see / 

and g, Sec. 1. p, 52 : 6—9. 



SEC. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 237 

44. Behold, these things are in his own hands, let 
him do according to wisdom. 

45. Verily I say, let him be ordained as an agent 
unto the disciples that shall tarry, and let him be or- 
dained unto this power ; 

46. And now speedily visit the churches, expound- 
ing these things unto them, with my servant Oliver 
Cowdery. Behold, this is my will, obtaining monies 
even as I have directed. 

47. He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome 
the world. 

48. He that ?sendeth up treasures unto the land of 
Zion, shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his 
works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world 
to come : 

49. Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the 
Lord from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and 
old things shall pass away, and all things become new, 
they shall r rise from the dead and shall not s die after, 
and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the 
holy city. 

50. And he that liveth when the Lord shall come, 
and has kept the faith, blessed is he ; nevertheless it is 
appointed to him to die at the age of man ; 

51. Wherefore children shall grow up until they be- 
come old, *old men shall die ; but they shall not w sleep 
in the dust, but they shall be ^changed in the twinkling 
of an eye ; 

52. Wherefore for this cause preached the apostles 
unto the world the resurrection of the dead ; 

53. These things are the things that ye must look 
for, and speaking after the manner of the Lord, they 
are now nigh at hand ; and in a time to come, even in 
the day of the ^coming of the Son of Man. 

54. And until that hour there will be foolish virgins 

q, vers. 40, 43. r, see m, Sec. 29. s, Alma, 11 : 45. 12 : 18, 
20. 88 : 116. Rev. 21 : 4. t, 101 : 30. Isa. 65 : 20—22. u, 88 : 
116. 101 : 31. v, 101 : 31. w, see e, Sec. 1. 



238 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIH. 

among the wise, and at that hour cometh an ^entire 
separation of the righteous and the wicked, and in that 
day will I send mine angels to 2/pluck out the wicked 
and cast them into unquenchable fire. 

55. And now, behold, verily I say unto you, I the 
Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon, 
he exalted himself in his heart, and received not coun- 
sel but grieved the Spirit ; 

56. Wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto 
the Lord and he shall make another, and if the Lord 
receive it not, behold he standeth no longer in the office 
which I have appointed him. 

57. And again, verily I say unto you, those who 
desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to 
repentance, let them be ordained unto this power ; 

58. For this is a day of warning, and not a day of 
many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in 
the last days. 

59. Behold, I am from above, and my power lieth 
beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, 
and search all things, and the day cometh that all 
things shall be subject unto me. 

60. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus 
Christ. 

61. Wherefore let all men beware how they take 
my name in their lips ; 

62. For, behold, verily I say, that many there be 
who are under this condemnation, who use the name of 
the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority. 

63. Wherefore, let the church repent of their sins, and 
I, the Lord, will own them, otherwise they shall be cut off. 

64. Remember that that which cometh from above 
is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by con- 
straint of the Spirit, and in this there is no condemna- 
tion, and ye ^receive the Spirit through prayer ; where- 
fore, without this there remaineth condemnation. 

x, see <;, Sec. 1. y t ver. 34. z t ver. 65. 42 : 14. 



SEC. LXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 239 

65. Let my servants Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney 
Kigdon, seek them a home, as they are taught through 
prayer by the Spirit. 

66. These things remain to overcome through 
patience, that such may receive a more exceeding and 
eternal weight of glory, otherwise, a greater condemna- 
tion. Amen. 



SECTION 64. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, 
September 11th, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord your God unto you, 
ye elders of my church, hearken ye and hear, and 
receive my will concerning you ; 

2. For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should 
overcome the world ; wherefore I will have compassion 
upon you. 

3. There are those among you who have sinned ; 
but verily I say, for this once, for mine own glory, and 
for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven you your sins. 

4. I will be merciful unto you, for I have a given 
unto you the kingdom : 

5. And the 6 keys of the mysteries of the kingdom 
shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, jun., 
through the means I have appointed, while he Hveth, 
inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances. 

6. There are those who have sought occasion against 
him without cause ; 

7. Nevertheless he has sinned, but verily I say unto 
you, I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who Confess 

a, see x, Sec. 85. &, see &, Sec. 2$. c, 42 : 25. 58 : 42, 43. 



2-AO ■ COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIV. 

their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who have not 
sinned unto death. 

8. My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion 
against one another, and forgave not one another in 
their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and 
sorely chastened : 

9. Wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to for- 
give one another, for he that ^forgiveth not his brother 
his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord, 
for there remaineth in him the greater sin. 

10. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, 
but of you it is required to c forgive all men ; 

11. And ye ought to say in your hearts, let God 
judge between me and thee, and reward thee according 
to thy deeds. 

12. And he that ^repenteth not of his sins, and 
confesseth them not, then ye shall bring him before 
the church, and do with him as the Scripture saith 
unto you, either by commandment or by revelation. 

13. And this ye shall do that God may be glorified, 
not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but 
that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that 
ye may not offend him who is your Lawgiver. 

14. Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these 
things. 

15. Behold, I, the Lord, was angry with him who 
was my servant Ezra Booth, and also my servant Isaac 
Morley, for they kept not the law, neither the com- 
mandment ; 

16. They sought evil in their hearts, and I, the 
Lord, withheld iny Spirit. They condemned for evil 
that thing in which there was no evil ; nevertheless I 
have forgiven my servant Isaac Morley. 

17. And also my servant Edward Partridge, be- 
hold, he hath sinned, and Satan seeketh to destroy his 

d, vers. 10—14. 98 : 39, 40. m. Nep. 12 : 23, 24. 13 : 14, 15. 
e, 98 : 40. /, 42 : 80—83. 



SEC. LXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 241 

goul ; but when these things are made known unto 
them, and they repent of the evil, they shall be forgiven. 

18. And now, verily I say, that it is expedient in 
me that my servant Sidney Gilbert, after a few weeks, 
should return upon his business, and to his agency in 
the land of Zion ; 

19. And that which he hath seen and heard may 
be made known unto my disciples, that they perish not. 
And for this cause have I spoken these things. 

20. And again, I say unto you, that my servant 
Isaac Morley may not be tempted above that which he 
is able to bear, and counsel wrongfully to your hurt, I 
gave commandment that his farm should be sold. 

21. I will not that my servant Frederick Gr. Williams 
should sell his farm, for I, the Lord, will to retain a 
strong hold in the land of Kirtland,"for the space of 
five years, in the which I will not overthrow the wicked, 
that thereby I may save some ; 

22. And after that day, I, the Lord, will not hold 
any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to the 
land of Zion ; for I the Lord, require the hearts of the 
children of men. 

23. Behold, now it is called ^to-day (until the com- 
ing of the Son of man), and verily it is a day of sacri- 
fice, and a day for the tithing of my people ; for he that 
is tithed shall not be burned (at his coming) ; 

24. For after to-day cometh the ^burning : this is 
speaking after the manner of the Lord ; for verily I 
say, to-morrow all the proud and they that do wickedly 
shall be as stubble ; and I will burn them up, for I am 
the Lord of hosts: and I will *not spare any that 
remain in Babylon. 

25. Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while 
it is called to-day. 

<7, vers. 24, 25. 85 : 3—5, 9. 97 : 12. 119 : 1-7 Psalm 95 : 7. Heb 

3 : 7, 15. 4:7. A, ver. 23. 29 : 21. 45 : 57. 63 : 34, 54. 76 : 105. 

88 : 94. ... 101 : 23—25. 133 : 40, 41, 64. Psalm 50 : 3 Isa. 24 : 6 -"* Isa. 66 : 
15, 16 t, see i, Sec. 1 

R 



242 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIV. 

* 26. And it is not meet that my servants, Newel K. 
Whitney and Sidney Gilbert, shouid sell their store and 
their possessions here, for this is not wisdom, until the 
residue of the church, which remaineth in this place, 
shall go up unto the land of Zion. 

27. Behold, it is said in my laws, or forbidden, to 
get in debt to thine enemies ; 

28. But behold it is not said at any time, that the 
Lord should not take when he please, and pay as seem- 
eth him good : 

4 29. Wherefore as ye are agents, and ye are on the 
Lord's errand ; and whatever ye do according to the 
will of the Lord, is the Lord's business, 

30. And he hath set you to provide for his saints in 
these last days, that they may obtain an inheritance in 
the land of Zion : 

31. And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and 
my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall 
obtain it ; 

32. But all things must come to pass in their time ; 

33. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye 
are laying the ^'foundation of a great work. And out 
of small things proceedeth that which is great. 

34. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a 
willing mind ; and the ^willing and obedient shall eat 
the good of the land of Zion in these last days ; 

35. And the rebellious shall be cut off out of the 
land of Zion, and shall be *sent away, and shall not in- 
herit the land : 

36. For, verily, I say that the rebellious are ™not 
of the blood of Ephraim, wherefore they shall be 
plucked out. 

37. Behold, I, the Lord, have made w my church in 
these last days like junto a judge sitting on a hill, or in 
a °high place, to judge the nations ; 

j, Isa. 60 : 22. k, Isa. 1 : 19. I, 41 : 5. 42 : 37. 50 : 8, 9. 
66 : 1. 63 : 27—31. 97 : 6, 7. 104 : 4—9. w,.8©e I. n, see a, 

Sec. 1. o, gee v, Sec. 35. 



&m LXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 243 

38. For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of 
Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion ; 

39. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by 
them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall 
be known. 

40. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his 
counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships, 
shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their 
stead ; 

41. For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall 
flourish, and the ^glory of the Lord shall be upon her, 

42. And she shall be an Ensign unto the people, 
and there shall come unto her out of every nation 
under heaven. 

43. And the day shall come when the nations of 
the earth shall r tremble because of her, and shall fear 
because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. 
Amen. 



SECTION 65. 



Herniation on Prayer, given through Joseph, the Seer, 
at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, in the fore part of 
October, 1831. . 

1. Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one from on high, 
who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto 
the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men — 
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths 
straight. 

. p, 124 : 6, 9, 11. See 36, Sec. 45. q, 115 : 5, 6. See t, Sec. 45. 
r, 45 : 67, 70, 74. 97 : 18, 24. 105 : 31, 32. See e, Sec. 1. 

- • a, 44 ; 4, 5. 45 J 9, 43, 44, 56-58. 58 : 9. 88 : 92* 133 ; 7-17. See e, 
Sec. 1. 



214 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVL 

2. The ^keys of the kingdom of God are committed 
unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the 
gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the c stone 
which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall 
roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth ; 

3. Yea, a voice crying — ^Prepare ye the way of the 
Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready 
for the Bridegroom ; 

4. Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, 
make known e his wonderful works among the people ; 

5. Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go 
forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof 
may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, 
in the which the Son of man shall come ^down 
in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to 
meet the kingdom of God which is ^set up on the 
earth ; 

6. Wherefore may the kingdom of God go forth, 
that the ^kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, 
God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thy 
enemies may be subdued ; for thine is the honour, power 
and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 



SECTION &6. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, af Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, October 25th, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant 
William E. M'Lellin, Blessed are you, inasmuch as you 
have turned away from your iniquities, and have re- 
ft, see x, Sec. 35. c, see m, See. 50. d, see e, Sec 1. 
e, see a, Sec. 4. /, see e, Sec. 1. a, see m. Sec* 50. h t 84 : 
94-102. 88 : 95 -98. See e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. LXVI.] commandments. 245 

ceived my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the 
Saviour of the world, even of as many as believe on 
my name. 

2. Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiv- 
ing mine a everlasting covenant, even the ^fullness of 
my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that 
they might have life and be made partakers of the 
glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it 
was written by the prophets and apostles in days of 
old. 

3. Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that 
you are clean, but not all ; repent, therefore of those 
things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the 
Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you. 

4. And now, verily, I, the Lord, will show unto you 
what I will concerning you, or what is my will concern- 
ing you ; 

5. Behold, verily I say unto you, that it is my will 
that you should proclaim my gospel from land to land, 
and from city to city ; yea, in those regions round about 
where it has not been proclaimed. 

6. Tarry not many days in this place ; go not up 
unto the land of Zion as yet ; but inasmuch as you can 
send, send ; otherwise, think not of thy property. 

7. Go unto the eastern lands, bear testimony in 
every place, unto every people, in their synagogues, 
reasoning with the people. 

8. Let my servant Samuel H. Smith go with you, 
and forsake him not, and give him thine instructions ; 
and he that is faithful shall be made strong in every 
place, and I, the Lord, will go with you. p% : - 4 

9. c Lay your hands upon the sick, and they shall 
recover. Return not till I the Lord shall send you. 
Be patient in affliction. Ask and ye shall receive. 
Knock and it shall be opened unto you. 

10. Seek not to be cumbered. Forsake all unright- 

a, see k, Sec. 1. 5, see &, Sec. 18. c, see z } Sec. 42. 



^246 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVII. 

eousness. Commit not adultery, a temptation with 
which thou hast been troubled. 

11. Keep these sayings, for they are true and faith- 
ful, and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push 
many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy 
upon their heads. 

12. Continue in these things even unto the end, 
.and you shall have a crown of eternal life at the 
right hand of my Father, who is full of grace and 
truth. 

13. Verily, thus saith the Lord your God, your 
Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen. 



SECTION 67. 



Revelation given through Joseph, ths Seer, at Hiram, 
Portage Co., Ohio, November, 1831. 

1. Behold and hearken, ye elders of my church, 
who have assembled yourselves together, whose prayers 
I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose 
desires have come up before me. 

2. Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the 
heavens and the earth are in mine hands, and the 
riches of eternity are mine to give. 

3. Ye endeavoured to believe that ye should re- 
ceive the blessing which was offered unto you ; but 
behold, verily, I say unto you, there were fears in your 
hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not 
receive. 

4. And now I, the Lord, give unto you a testimony 
of the truth of these commandments which are lying 
before you ; 



• SEC. LXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 247 

i r 5. Your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph 
Smith, jun., and his language you have known, and his 
imperfections you have known ; and you have sought 
in your hearts knowledge that you might express 
beyond his language, this you also know ; 

6. Now seek ye out of the book of commandments, 
even the least that is among them, and appoint him 
that is the most wise among you ; 

7. Or, if there be any among you, that shall make 
one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye 
do not know that they are true ; 

8. But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are 
under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they 
are true ; 

9. For ye know that there is a no unrighteousness 
in them, and that which is righteous cometh down 
from above, from the Father of lights. 

10. And again, verily I say unto you, that it is 
your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that 
have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch 
as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and 
humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently 
humble, the vail shall be rent and you shall & see me 
and know that I AM; not with the carnal, neither 
natural mind, but with the spiritual ; 

11. For no man has seen God at any time in the 
flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God ; 

12. Neither can any natural man abide in the pre- 
sence of God ; neither after the carnal mind ; 

13. Ye are not able to abide the presence of God 
now, neither the ministering of angels ; wherefore 
continue in patience until ye are perfected. 

14. Let not your minds turn back, and when ye 
are worthy, in mine own due time, ye shall see and 
know that which was conferred upon you by the hands 
of my servant Joseph Smith, jun. Amen. 

a, 50 : 23, 24. 84 : 45-47. 88 : 40, 41, 49, 66, 67. b, see o, Sec. 50. 



248 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVIII, 



SECTION 68. 

Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram, 
Portage Co., Ohio, November, 1831, to Orson Hyde, 
Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and William E. 
M'Lellin. The mind and will of the Lwd, as made 
known by the voice of the Spirit, to a conference con- 
cerning certain elders, and also certain items as 
made known in addition to the Covenants and Com- 
mandments. 

1. My servant, Orson Hyde, was called by his ordi- 
nance to proclaim the a everlasting gospel, by the Spirit 
of the living God, from people to people, and from land 
to land, in the congregations of the wicked, in their 
synagogues, reasoning with, and expounding all Scrip- 
tures unto them. 

2. And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all 
those who were ordained unto this Priesthood, whose 
mission is appointed unto them to go forth ; 

3. And this is the ensample unto them, that they 
shall speak as they are ^moved upon by the Holy 
Ghost, 

4. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved 
upon by the Holy Ghost, shall be scripture, shall be 
the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, 
shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the 
Lord, and the power of God unto salvation : 

5. Behold this is the promise of the Lord unto you, 

ye my servants ; 

6. Wherefore be of good cheer, and do not fear, for 

1 the Lord am with you, and will stand by you ; and 
ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I 
am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, 
and that I am to come. 

a, see b, Sec. 18. 5, 18 : 32. 34 : 10. 42 : 16. 



SEC. LXVIIT.] commandments. 249 

7. This is the word of the Lord unto you my ser- 
vant, Orson Hyde, and also unto my servant Luke 
Johnson, and unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and 
unto my servant William E. Mljellin, and unto all the 
faithful elders of my church. 

8. c Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel to 
every creature, acting in the authority which I have 
given you, ^baptizing in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; 

9. And e he that believeth and is baptized shall be 
saved, and he that believeth •'not shall be damned ; 

10. And he that believeth shall be blest with signs 
following, even as it is written ; 

11. And unto you it shall be given to know the 
signs of the times, and the ^signs of the coming of the 
Son of man ; 

12. And of as many as the Father shall bear record, 
to you shall be given power to ^seal them up unto 
eternal life. Amen. 

13. And now concerning the items in addition to 
the covenants and commandments, they are these : — 

14. There remaineth hereafter, in the due time of 
the Lord, other bishops to be set apart unto the church, 
to minister even according to the first ; 

15. Wherefore they shall be \High Priests who are 
worthy, and they shall be appointed by the -Tirst Presi- 
dency of the Melchisedek priesthood, except they be 
literal descendants of Aaron, 

16. And if they be ^literal descendants of Aaron, 
they have a legal right to the bishopric, if they are 
the ¥xrstborn among the sons of Aaron ; 

c, see b, Sec. 1. d> see Z, Sec. 5. e, see q, Sec. 20. /, 76 : 
84, 85, 102—106. 84 : 74, 75. g, see e, Sec. 1. h, see d, Sec. 1. 
t, 20 : 67. 68 : 19. 78 : 15, 19. 81 : 1, 2. 84 : 6—42. Sec. 102. Sec. 107. 
112: 30. 132: 45, 46. Sec. 124: 123—145. j, 68: 19-23. 81: 2. 102: 
1, 3, 8—11, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 33. 107 : 9, 17, 22, 24, 29, 33, 36, 64—68, 76-84, 
91, 92. 112 : 15, 17, 20. 115 : 15. Sec. 120. 124 : 123—126. /;, 20 : 
66, 67. 41 : 9. 42 : 10, 31—34, 71, 73, 82. 46 : 27. Sec. 51. 57 : 7, 15. 
58 : 24. 60 : 10. 64 : 17. 68 : 14—24. 70 : 7—14. Sec. 72. 84 : 112—114. 
85 : 1. 93 : 50. 107 : 15—17, 68—78, 82, 88. 117: 11. Sec. 120. 124; 14L 
I, 84 : 18, 26, 27, 30. 107 : 13, 16, 70, 76. 



250 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVIH 

17. For the firstborn holds the right of the presi- 
dency over this priesthood, and the w keys or authority 
of the same. 

18. No man has a legal right to this office to hold 
the keys of this priesthood, except he be a "literal de- 
scendant and the firstborn of Aaron ; 

19. But as a °High Priest of the Melchisedek 
Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser 
offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no 
literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he 
is called, and set apart and ordained unto this power 
under the hands of the ^First Presidency of the Mel- 
chisedek Priesthood. 

20. And a ^literal descendant of Aaron, also, must 
be designated by this Presidency, and found worthy, 
and ^anointed, and ordained under the hands of this 
Presidency, otherwise they are not legally authorized to 
officiate in their priesthood ; 

21. But by virtue of the decree concerning their 
right of the priesthood descending from father to son, 
they may claim their ^anointing, if at any time they 
can prove their lineage, or do ascertain it by revelation 
from the Lord w under the hands of the above named 
Presidency. 

22. And again, no bishop or High Priest who shall 
be set apart for this ministry, shall be tried or con- 
demned for any crime, save it be before the "First Presi- 
dency of the church ; 

23. And inasmuch as he is found guilty before this 
Presidency, by testimony that cannot be impeached, he 
shall be condemned ; 

24. And if he repents he shall be ^forgiven, ac- 
cording to the covenants and commandments of the 
church. 

25. And again, inasmuch as parents have children 

m, 15, 16, 18. See k. n, see I. o, see i. p, see j. 

q, see k. r, see j. s, ver. 21. 124 : 39. t, ver. 20. 124 : 39. 

it, see;. ,*»■ v, how a bishop must be tried, see j. w, see d, Sec. 64. 



SEC. lxviil] commandments. 251 

in Zion, or in any of her Stakes which are organized, 
that teach them not to understand the ^doctrine of 
repentance, faith in Christ the son of the living God, 
and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the 
laying on of the hands when height years old, the sin 
be upon the heads of the parents ; 

26. For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of 
Zion, or in any of her Stakes which are organized ; 

27. And their children shall be baptized for the re- 
mission of their sins when *eight years old, and receive 
the laying on of the hands, 

28. And they shall also 2a teach their children to 
pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord. 

29. And the inhabitants of Zion shall, also, observe 
the 26 Sabbath day to keep it holy. 

30. And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remem- 
ber their 2c labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to 
labor, in all faithfulness ; for the 2c *idler shall be had in 
remembrance before the Lord. 

31. Now, I the Lord, am not well pleased with the 
inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them ; 
and their children are also growing up in wickedness ; 
they also seek not earnestly the 2e riches of eternity, but 
their eyes are full of greediness. 

32. These things ought not to be, and must be 
done away from among them : wherefore let my ser- 
vant Oliver Cowdery carry these sayings unto the land 
of Zion. 

33. And a commandment I give unto them, that 
he that observeth not his Sprayers before the Lord in 
the season thereof, let him be had in remembrance 
before the judge of my people. 

34. These sayings are true and faithful ; wherefore 
transgress them not, neither take therefrom. 

x, see 6, Sec. 18. y, vers. 26, 27. 20 : 71. z, ver. 25. 

2a, ver. 31. 26, 59 : 9, 10, 12—14. 2c, 42 : 42. 2d, 42: 

42. 2e, see 2 a, Sec. 38. 2/, 20 : 47, 51. Alma 31 : 21. in. Ncp. 

18 : 21. 



252 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIX. 

35. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, and I 2 ^come 
quickly. Amen. 



SECTION 69. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram, 
Portage Co., Ohio, November, 1831. 

1. Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for 
my servant Oliver Cowdery's sake. It is not wisdom 
in me that he should be entrusted with the command- 
ments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the 
land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true 
and faithful ; 

= 2. Wherefore, I the Lord will that my servant, 
John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cow- 
dery ; 

3. And also that he shall continue in writing and 
making a a history of all the important things which he 
shall observe and know concerning my 6 church : 

4. And also that he receive counsel and assistance 
from my servant Oliver Cowdery and others. 

5. And also my servants who are abroad in the 
earth, should send forth the accounts of their steward- 
ships to the land of Zion ; 

6. For the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place 
to receive and do all these things ; 

7. Nevertheless, let my servant, John Whitmer, 
travel many times from place to place, and from church 
to church, that he may the more easily obtain know- 
ledge ; 

8. Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, 

2g, see e, Sec. 1. 



a, see a, Sec. 21. 5, see a, Sec. 1. c t see o, Sec. 42.* 



SEC. LXX.] COMMANDMENTS, 253 

selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for 
the good of the church, and for the rising generations, 
that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it 
from generation to generation, d for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



SECTION 70. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, November, 1831. 

1. Behold, and hearken, ye inhabitants of Zion, 
and all ye people of my church, who are far off, and 
hear the word of the Lord which I give unto my ser- 
vant Joseph Smith, jun., and also unto my servant 
Martin Harris, and also unto my servant Oliver Cow- 
dery, and also unto my servant John Whitmer, and 
also unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, and also unto my 
servant William W. Phelps, by the way of command- 
ment unto them ; 

2. For I give unto them a commandment ; where- 
fore hearken and hear, for thus saith the Lord unto 
them — 

3. I, the Lord, have appointed them, and ordained 
them to be "stewards over the revelations and com- 
mandments which I have given unto them, and which 
I shall hereafter give unto them ; 

4. And an account of this ^stewardship will I require 
of them in the day of judgment : 

5. Wherefore I have appointed unto them, and this 
is their business in the church of God, to manage them 
and the concerns thereof ; yea, the benefits thereof. 

d, seep, Sec. 38. 
a, see o, Sec. 42. __^_ 6, see o, Sec. 42. 



254 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXX. 

6. Wherefore a commandment I give unto them, 
that they shall not give these things unto the church, 
neither unto the world : 

7. Nevertheless, inasmuch as they c receive more 
than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it 
shall be given into my storehouse, 

8. And the benefits shall be consecrated unto the 
inhabitants of Zion, and unto their generations, inas- 
much as they become d heirs according to the laws of 
the kingdom. 

9. Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every 
man in his ^stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have ap- 
pointed, or shall hereafter appoint unto any man. 

10. And, behold ^none are exempt from this law 
who belong to the church of the living God ; 

11. Yea, neither the bishop, neither the ^agent who 
keepeth the Lord's storehouse, neither he who is ap- 
pointed in a stewardship over ^temporal things ; 

12. He who is appointed to administer spiritual 
things, the same is worthy of his hire, even as those 
who are appointed to a stewardship, to administer in 
temporal things ; 

13. Yea, even more abundantly, which abundance 
is multiplied unto them through the ^manifestations of 
the Spirit ; 

14. Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall 
be «?equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the 
abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be 
withheld. 

15. Now this commandment I give unto my ser- 
vants for their benefit while they remain, for a mani- 
festation of my blessings upon their heads, and for a 
reward of their diligence and for their security ; 

16. For food and for raiment ; for an inheritance ; 
for houses and for lands, in whatsoever circumstances 

c, see 26, Sec. 42. d, 68 : 25—32. e, see o, Sec.: 42. /, see 

Sec. 85. g y see/, Sec. 57. h, gee 26, Sec. 42. " i r by revelation. 

h see.a, Sec. 51. 



. lxxl] commandments. 255 

I, the Lord, shall place them, and whithersoever I, the 
Lord, shall send them ; 

17. For they have been faithful over many things, 
and have done well inasmuch as they have not sinned. 

is. Behold, I, the Lord, am merciful and will bless 
them, and they shall enter into the joy of these things. 
Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 71. 

Revelation given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, 
December 1st, 1831. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser- 
vants, Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that 
the time has verily come, that it is necessary and ex- 
pedient in me that you should open your mouths in 
proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, ex- 
pounding the a mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, 
according to that portion of Spirit and power which 
shall be given unto you, even as I will. 

2. Verily, I say unto you, proclaim unto the w r orld 
in the regions round about, and in the church also, for 
the space of a season, even until it shall be made 
known unto you. 

3. Verily this is a mission for a season, which I 
give unto you, 

4. Wherefore, 5 labor ye in my vineyard. Call 
upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, 
and prepare the way for the commandments and reve- 
lations which are to come. 

5. Now, behold this is wisdom ; w T hoso readeth, let 
him understand and receive also ; 



a, see 2e. Sec. 42. &, see k, Sec. 24. 



253 COVENANTS AND [SfeC. LXXII, 

6. For unto him that receiveth it shall be given 
more abundantly, even power ; 

7. Wherefore, confound your enemies ; call upon 
them to c meet you both in public and in private ; and 
inasmuch as ye are faithful, their shame shall be made 
manifest. 

8. Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong 
reasons against the Lord. 

9. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, there is no 
weapon that is formed against you shall prosper ; 

10. And if any man lift his voice against you, he 
shall be confounded in mine own due time ; 

11. Wherefore, keep my commandments, they are 
true and faithful. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 72. 



Revelation given at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, 
December tth, 1831. 

1. Hearken and listen to the voice of the Lord, 
ye who have assembled yourselves together, who are . 
the a High Priests of my church, to whom the ^kingdom 
and power have been given. 

2. For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in 
me for a c bishop to be appointed unto you, or of you, 
unto the church in this part of the Lord's vineyard ; 

3. And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, 
for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of d every 
steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both 
in time and in eternity. 

c, Isa. 41 : 21. 43 : 9. 

a, see i, Sec. 68. &, see x, Sec. 35. c, see k, Sec. 63. 

d, see o, Sec. 42. 



SEC. lxxil] commandments. 257 

4. For he who is faithful and wise in time, is 
accounted worthy to inherit the ^mansions prepared 
for them of my Father. 

5. Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church 
in this part of my vineyard, shall render an ^account 
of their, stewardship unto the bishop which shall be 
appointed of me, in this part of my vineyard. 

6. These things shall be had on record, to be handed 
over unto the bishop in Zion ; 

7. And the duty of the bishop shall be made known 
by the commandments which have been given, and the 
voice of the conference. 

8. And now, verily I say unto you, my servant 
Newel K. Whitney is the man who shall be appointed 
and ordained unto this power. This is the will of the 
Lord your God, your Kedeemer. Even so. Amen. 

9. The word of the Lord, in addition to the law 
which has been given, making known the duty of the 
bishop which has been ordained unto the church in 
this part of the vineyard, which is verily this : — 

10. To keep the Lord's ^storehouse ; to receive 
the A funds of the church in this part of the vine- 
yard ; 

11. To take an ^account of the elders as before has 
been commanded ; and to administer to their wants, 
who shall pay for that which they receive, inasmuch as 
they have wherewith to pay ; 

12. That this also may be consecrated to the good 
of the church, to the poor and needy ; 

13. And he who hath not wherewith to pay, an 
account shall be taken and handed over to the bishop 
of Zion, who shall pay the debt out of that which the 
Lord shall put into his hands ; 

^ 14. And the labors of the faithful who ^labor in 
spiritual things, in administering the gospel and the 

e, see a, Sec. 59, Vf, see o, Sec. 42. g, see g, Sec. 51. 
h, see 2b, Sec. 42, __ i, see o, Sec. 42. j, see o, Sec. 42. 

S 



258 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXII. 

things of the kingdom unto the church, and unto the 
world, shall answer the debt unto the bishop in Zion ; 

15. Thus it cometh out of the church, for accord- 
ing to the Maw every man that cometh up to Zion, 
must lay all things before the bishop in Zion. 

16. And now, verily I say unto you, that as every 
elder in this part of the vineyard must give an account 
of his stewardship unto the bishop in this part of the 
vineyard, 

17. A ^certificate from the judge or bishop in this 
part of the vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, rendereth 
every man acceptable, and answereth all things, for an 
inheritance, and to be received as a "'wise steward, and 
as a faithful laborer ; 

18. Otherwise he shall not be accepted of the 
bishop of Zion. 

19. And now, verily I say unto you, let every elder 
who shall give an account unto the bishop of the 
church, in this part of the vineyard, be "recommended 
by the church or churches, in which he labors, that he 
inay render himself and his accounts approved in all 
things. 

20. And again, let my servants who are appointed 
as stewards over the °literary concerns of my church, 
have claim for assistance upon the bishop or bishops, 
in all things, 

21. That the revelations may be ^published, and 
go forth unto the ends of the earth, that they also 
may obtain funds which shall benefit the church in all 
things, 

22. That they also may render themselves approved 
in all things, and be accounted as ^wise stewards. 

23. And now, behold, this shall be an r ensample 
for all the extensive branches of my church, in what- 

k, see n, Sec. 42. I, vers. 18—26. 52 : 41. m, see o, 

Sec. 42. n, vers. 17—26. 52 : 41. o, see Sec. 70. p, The 

Book of Covenants. q t see o, Sec, 42. r, an Ensample for all 

Stewards. 



SEC. LXXni.] COMMANDMENTS. 259 

soever land they shall be established. And now I 
make an end of my sayings. Amen. 

24. A few words in addition to the laws of the 
kingdom, respecting the members of the church ; they 
that are appointed by the Holy Spirit to go up unto 
Zion, and they who are privileged to. go up unto Zion, 

25. Let them carry up unto the bishop a ^certificate 
from three elders of the church, or a certificate from 
the bishop, 

26. Otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of 
Zion, shall not be accounted as a 'wise steward. This 
is also an ensample. Amen. 



SECTION 73. 

Bevelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 
given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. 10th, 1832. 
The word of the Lord unto them concerning the 
Elders of the Church of the living God, established 
in the last days, making known the will of the 
Lord unto the Elders, what they shall do until Con- 
ference. 

1. For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in 
me, that they should continue preaching the gospel, 
and in exhortation to the churches in the regions round 
about, until conference ; 

2. And then, behold, it shall be made known unto 
them, by the ^oice of the conference, their several 
missions. 

3. Now, verily, I say unto you my servants, Joseph 

s, see I. t y see o, Sec. 42. 

a, see Sec, 75, 



260 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXTV. 

Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, saith the Lord, it is 
expedient to ^translate again, 

4. And, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in 
the regions round about until conference ; and after 
that it is expedient to continue the work of translation 
until it be finished. 

5. And let this be a pattern unto the elders until 
further knowledge, even as it is written. 

6. Now I give no more unto you at this time. 
Gird up your loins and be sober. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 74. 



An Explanation of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, 
Chapter 7, verse 14, given by revelation, through 
Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, 
January, 1832. 

1. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the 
wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the hus- 
band, else were your children unclean, but now a are 
they holy. 

2. Now in the days of the apostles the law of cir- 
cumcision was had among all the Jews who believed 
not the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

3. And it came to pass that there arose a great con- 
tention among the people concerning the law of circum- 
cision, for the unbelieving husband was desirous that 
his children should be circumcised and become subject 
to the law of Moses, which law was fulfilled. 

4. And it came to pass that the children, being 

&, the Bible c, until the translation of the Bible is finished. 

a, 29 ; 46—48. Moro. 8 : 8—24. 



*EC. LXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 261 

brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave 
heed to the traditions of their fathers, and believed not 
the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy ; 

5. Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto 
the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of 
the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be 
united to an unbeliever, except the law of Moses should 
be done away among them, 

6. That their children might remain without cir- 
cumcision ; and that the tradition might be done away, 
which saith that little children are unholy; for it was 
had among the Jews, JU 

7. But ^little children are holy, being : sanctified 
through the atonement of Jesus Christ; and this is 
what the scriptures mean. 



SECTION 75. 



Revelation given at Amherst, Loraine Co., Ohio, in 
Conference, January 25th, 1832. 

1. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I who speak even 
by the voice of my Spirit ; even Alpha and Omega, 
your Lord and your God ; 

2. Hearken, ye who have given your names to go 
forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard. 

3. Behold, I say unto you, that it is my will that 
you should go forth and not tarry, neither be a idle, but 
labor with your mights, 

4. Lifting up your voices as with the sound of 
a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the 

fc, see a. 



a, see u, Sec. 42 



262 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXV. 

revelations and commandments which I have given 
you, 

5. And thus if ye are faithful ye shall be 6 laden with 
many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and 
immortality, and eternal life. 

6. Therefore, verily I say unto my servant William 
E. M'Lellin, I ^revoke the commission which I gave 
unto him to go unto the eastern countries, 

7. And I give unto him a ^new commission and a 
new commandment, in the which I, the Lord, chasten 
him for the murmurings of his heart ; 

8. And he sinned, nevertheless I forgive him, and 
say unto him again, go ye into the south countries, 

9. And let my servant Luke Johnson go with him 
and proclaim the things which I have commanded them, 

10. Calling on the name of the Lord for the Com- 
forter, which shall teach them all things that are expe- 
dient for them, 

11. Praying always that they faint not, and inas- 
much as they do this, I will be with them even unto 
the end. 

12. Behold, this is the will of the Lord your God 
concerning you. Even so. Amen. 

13. And again, verily thus saith the Lord, let my 
servant Orson Hyde, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, 
take their journey into the eastern countries, and pro- 
claim the things which I have commanded them ; and 
inasmuch as they are faithful, lo, I will be with them 
even unto the end. 

14. And again, verily I say unto my servant Ly- 
man Johnson, and unto my servant Orson Pratt, they 
shall also take their journey into the eastern countries ; 
and behold, and lo, I am with them also, even unto 
the end. 

15. And again, I say unto my servant Asa Dodds, 

&, 33 : 9. c, see 6, Sec. 56. d t see c. — <, see h t 

Sec. 42. 



SEC. LXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 263 

and unto my servant Calves Wilson, that tliey also 
shall take their journey unto the western countries, 
and proclaim my gospel, even as I have commanded 
them. 

16. And he who is faithful shall overcome all things, 
and shall be ^lifted up at the last day. 

17. And again, I say unto my servant Major N. 
Ashly, and my servant Burr Riggs, let them take their 
journey also into the south country ; 

18. Yea, let all those take their journey as I have 
commanded them, going from house to house, and from 
village to village, and from city to city ; 

19. And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they 
receive you, cleave your blessing upon that house ; 

20. And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they 
receive you not, ye shall depart speedily from that 
house, and A shake off the dust of your feet as a testi- 
mony against them ; 

21. And you shall be filled with joy and gladness ; 
and know this, that in the day of judgment you shall 
be fudges of that house, and condemn them ; 

22. And it shall be more tolerable for the heathen 
in the day of judgment, than for that house ; therefore 
gird up your loins and be faithful, and ye shall over- 
come all things, and be 'lifted up at the last day. Even 
so. Amen. 

23. And again, thus saith the Lord unto you, ye 
elders of my church, who have given your names that 
you might know his will concerning you ; 

24. Behold, I say unto you, that it is the *duty of 
the church to assist in supporting the families of those, 
and also to support the families of those who are called 
and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the 
gospel unto the world ; 

25. Wherefore, I, the Lord, give unto you this 

/, see u, Sec. 5. a, Matt. 10 : 12, 13. h, see d , Sec. 60. i t Matt. 
10 ; 15. ;, see u, Sec. 5. k, 70 : 12, 13. 72 : 14, 15. 



264 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVL 

commandment, that ye obtain places for your families, 
inasmuch as your brethren are willing to open their 
hearts ; 

.26. And let all such as can obtain places for their 
families, and support of the church for them, not fail 
to go into the world, whether to the east or to the west, 
or to the north, or to the south ; 

27. Let them *ask and they shall receive, knock 
and it shall be opened unto them, and made known 
from on high, even by the ^Comforter, whither they 
shall go. 

28. And again, verily I say unto you, that every 
man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let 
him provide, and he shall in no wise lose his crown ; 
and let him labor in the church. 

29. Let every man be diligent in all things. And 
the n idler shall not have place in the church, except he 
repents and mends his ways. 

30. Wherefore, let my servant Simeon Carter, and 
my servant Emer Harris, be united in the ministry ; 

31. And also my servant Ezra Thayre, and my ser- 
vant Thomas B. Marsh ; 

32. Also my servant Hyrum Smith, and my servant 
Reynolds Cahoon ; 

33. And also my servant Daniel Stanton, and my 
servant Seymour Brunson ; 

34. And also my servant Sylvester Smith, and my 
servant Gideon Carter ; 

35. And also my servant Buggies Eames, and my 
servant Stephen Burnett ; 

36. And also my servant Micah B. Welton ; and 
also my servant Eden Smith. Even so. Amen. 

l % see c, Sec. 4. m } see A, Sec. 42. w, see u, Sec. 42. 



SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 265 



SECTION 76. 

A Vision, given to Joseph Smith , jun., and Sidney 
Eigdon, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, February 
16th, 1832. 

1. Hear ye heavens, and give ear earth, and 
rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and 
beside him there is no Saviour : 

2. Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and 
the extent of his doings none can find out ; 

3. His purposes fail not, neither are there any who 
can stay his hand ; 

4. From "eternity to eternity he is the same, and 
his years never fail. 

5. For thus saith the Lord, I, the Lord, am merciful 
and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to 
honor those who serve me in righteousness and in 
truth unto the end ; 

6. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be 
their glory ; 

7. And to them will I reveal 6 all mysteries, yea, 
all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of 
old, and for ages to come will I make known unto 
them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things 
pertaining to my kingdom ; 

8. Yea, even the c wonders of eternity shall they 
know, and things to come will I show them, even the 
things of many generations ; 

9. And their wisdom shall be great, and their un- 
derstanding reach to heaven : and before them the 
wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding 
of the prudent shall come to nought ; 

- 10. For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and 

a, see a, Sec. 39. b, see 2e t Sec. 42. c, see &. 



266 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI. 

by my power will I make known unto them the secrets 
of my will ; yea, even those things which d eye has 
not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart 
of man. 

11. We, Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 
being in the Spirit on the sixteenth of February, in 
the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and 
thirty-two, 

12. By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened 
and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see 
and understand the things of God — 

13. Even those things which were from the begin- 
ning before the world was, which were ordained of the 
Father, through his Only Begotten Son, who was in the 
bosom of the Father, even from the beginning, 

14. Of w r hom we bear record, and the record which 
we bear is the ^fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 
who is the Son, whom we ^saw and with whom we con- 
versed in the heavenly vision ; 

15. For while we were doing the work of ^transla- 
tion, which the Lord had appointed unto us, we came 
to the twenty-ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John, 
which was given unto us as follows. 

M5. Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, con- 
cerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of 
Man, and shall come forth ; 

17. They who have done good in the Resurrection 
of the just, and they who have done evil in the resur- 
rection of the unjust. 

18. Now this caused us to marvel, for it was given 
unto us of the Spirit ; 

19. And while w r e meditated upon these things, the 
Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they 
were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round 
about ; 

d, vers. 114—119. in. Nep. 17 : 15—25. 19 : 30—36. 26 : 14—16. 
I. Corinth. 2:9. e, see &, Sec. 18. /, see o, Sec. 50. g, trans- 

lating the New Testament. h, see m, Sec. 29. 



SEC. LXXVI.] commandments. 267 

20. And we ^beheld the glory of the Son, on the 
right hand of the Father, and received of his full- 
ness ; 

21. And ^'saw the holy angels, and they who are 
sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the 
Lamb, who worship him for ever and ever. 

22. And now, after the many testimonies which 
have been given of him, this is the ^testimony last of 
all, which we give of him, that he lives ; 

23. For we z saw him, even on the right hand of 
God, and we heard the voice bearing record that he is 
the Only Begotten of the Father — 

24. That by him and through him, and of him ™the 
worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants there- 
of are begotten sons and daughters unto God. 

25. And this wo saw also, and bear record, that 
an n angel of God who was in authority in the presence 
of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son, 
whom the Father loved, and who was in the bosom of 
the Father — was thrust down from the presence of God 
and the Son, 

26. And was called °Perdition, for the heavens 
wept over him- — he was ^Lucifer, a son of the morning. 

27. And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen ! is fallen ! 
even a son of the morning. 

28. And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord 
commanded us that we should write the vision, for 
we ^beheld Satan, that old serpent — even the devil — 
who rebelled against God, and sought to take the king- 
dom of our God, and his Christ, 

29. Wherefore he maketh war with the saints of 
God, and encompasses them round about. 

30. And we saw a ^vision of the sufferings of those 
with whom he made war and overcame, for thus came 
the voice of the Lord unto us. 

i, see o, Sec. 50. ;, ver. 67. k, testimony founded on knowledge. 

*, see o, Sec. 50. w, 93 : 9, 10. n, see 2d, Sec. 29. o, vers. 

32, 43. p, Isa. 14 : 12. q f 29 : 36, 37. r t vers. 36, 44—49. 



268 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVX 

31. Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who 
know my power, and have been made partakers there- 
of, and suffered themselves, through the power of the 
devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy 
my power — 

32. They are they who are the sons of 'perdition, 
of whom I say that it had been better for them never 
to have been born, 

33. For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer 
the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in 
eternity ; 

34. Concerning whom I have said there is 'no for- 
giveness in this world nor in the world to come, 

35. Having ^denied the Holy Spirit after having 
received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son 
of the Father — having crucified him unto themselves, 
and put him to an open shame. 

36. These are they who shall go away into the *lake 
of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels, 

37. And the ^only ones on whom the second death 
shall have any power ; 

38. Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be re- 
deemed in the due time of the Lord, after the suffer- 
ings of his wrath ; 

39. For x all the rest shall be brought forth by the 
resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the 
glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom 
of the Father ^before the worlds were made. 

40. And this is the gospel, the glad tidings which 
the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us, 

41. That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be 
crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, 
and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all 
unrighteousness ; 

s, 42 : 18, 79. 76 : 32—34, 38, 43, 44. 84 : 41. 132 : 27. t, see a. 

u, see 8. Alma 39 : 6. in. Nep. 29 : 7. t\ 63 : 17. 86 : 44—49. I. Nep. 

15 : 29. II. Nep. 1 : 13. 2 : 29. 9 : 8—19, 26, 34, 36. 28 : 15, 21, 23. Jacob 
6 : 10. Alma 12 : 16—18. m. Nep. 27 : 11, 12. Moro. 8 : IS, 14, 21. 
w, see v. % t vers. 41—43, 81—88, 98—112. y, 93 : 7. 



SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 269 

42. That through him all might be saved whom the 
Father had put into his power and made by him, 

43. Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works 
of his hands, except those sons of ^perdition, who deny 
the Son after the Father has revealed him ; 

44. Wherefore, he saves all except them : they shall 
go away into 2 Everlasting punishment, which is endless 
punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with 
the devil and his angels in eternity, where their 2& worm 
dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their 
torment ; 

45. And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, 
nor their torment, no man knows, 

46. Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will 
be revealed unto man, except to them who are made 
partakers thereof : 

47. Nevertheless I, the Lord, show it by vision unto 
many, but straightway shut it up again ; 

48. Wherefore the end, the width, the height, the 
depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, 
neither any man except them who are 2c ordained unto 
this condemnation. 

49. And we heard the voice, saying, Write the 
vision, for lo ! this is the end of the vision of the suffer- 
ings of the ungodly ! 

50. And again, we bear record, for we saw and 
heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ, 
concerning them who come forth in the 2rf resurrection 
of the just ; 

51. They are they who received the testimony of 
Jesus, and 2e believed on his name and were baptized 
after the manner of his burial, being 2 ^buried in the 
water in his name, and this according to the command- 
ment which he has given, 

52. That by keeping the commandments they might 

2, see v. 2a, see v, 2b, see v, Isa. 66 : 24. 2c, sons 

of Perdition. 2d % see m, Sec. 29. 2e } see q, Sec. 20. 

2/, see I, Sec. 5. 



270 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI. 

be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive 
the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him 
who is ordained and sealed unto this power, 

53. And who overcome by faith, and are ^sealed 
by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds 
forth upon all those who are just and true. 

54. They are they who are the 2A church of the first 
born. 

55. They are they into whose hands the Father has 
given 2l 'all things — 

56. They are they who are ^'Priests and Kings, who 
have received of his fullness, and of his glory, 

57. And are Priests of the Most High, after the 
order of Melchisedek, which was after the order of 
Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten 
Son ; 

58. Wherefore, as it is written, 2 *they are Gods, 
even the sons of God — 

59. Wherefore 2Z all things are theirs, whether life 
or death, or things present, or things to come, all are 
theirs and they are Christ's and Christ is God's • 

60. And they shall overcome all things ; 

61. Wherefore let no man glory in man, but rather 
let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies 
under his feet — 

62. These shall dwell in the 2 presence of God and 
his Christ for ever and ever. 

63. These are they whom he shall 2n bring with him, 
when he shall come in the clouds of heaven, to reign on 
the earth over his people. 

64. These are they who shall have part in the 2o first 
resurrection. 

65. These are they who shall come forth in the re- 
surrection of the just. 

2<7, see d, Sec. 1. 2h, see a, Sec. 1. 2t, see d, Sec. 50. 2j, ver. 57. 
78 : 15, 18. 128: 23. 132 : 19, 20, 37. 2k, 132 : 17—20, 37. 2 J, see d, 
Sec. 50. 2 m, vers. 94—96, 2n ? see e, Sec, 1, 2o, see m, Sec 29, 



SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 271 

66. These are they who are come unto 2 ^Mount 
Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly 
place, the holiest of all.r 

67. These are they who have come to an innumer- 
able company of angels, to the general assembly and 
church of Enoch, and of the first born. 

68. These are they whose names are written in 
heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all. 

69. These are they who are just men made perfect 
through Jesus the mediator of the 2 ?new covenant, who 
wrought out this perfect atonement through the shed- 
ding of his own blood. 

70. These are they whose 2r bodies are celestial, 
whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, 
the highest of all, whose glory the 25 sun of the firma- 
ment is written of as being typical. 

71. And again, we saw the 2 *terrestrial world, and 
behold and lo, these are they who are of the terres- 
trial, whose glory differs from that of the 2w church of 
the first born, who have received the fullness of the 
Father, even as that of the 2r moon differs from the sun 
in the firmament. 

72. Behold, these are they who 2w, died without law, 

73. And also they who are the spirits of men 2 *kept 
in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gos- 
pel unto them, that they might be judged according to 
men in the flesh, 

74. Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the 
flesh, but afterwards received it. 

75. These are they who are honorable men of the 
earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men. 

76. These are they who receive of his glory, but 
ot of his fullness. 



2p, Heb. 12 : 22—24. 2q, see 7c, Sec. 1. 2r, 79 : 7, 14. 88: 

>, 4, 20, 22, 25, 28. 105 : 4, 5. 131 : 1. 2 s, Matt. 13 : 43. r. Coiinth. 

15 : 40—42. It, see 88 : 99, 100. 128 : 22. i. Cor. 15 : 40. 2u,see a, 

Sec. 1. 2v, i. Cor. 15 ; 41. 2w, 45 ; 54. $8: 99. 2s, 88; 

"», 100. 128 : 22. _ — 



272 COVENANTS ANS [SEC. LXXVI. 

77. These are they who receive of the presence of 
the Son, but not of the fullness of the Father ; 

78. Wherefore they are bodies terrestrial, and not 
bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs 
from the sun. 

79. These are they who are 22/ not valiant in the 
testimony of Jesus ; wherefore they obtain 22 not the 
crown over the kingdom of our God. 

80. And now this is the end of the vision which we 
saw of the terrestrial, that the Lord commanded us to 
write while we were yet in the Spirit. 

81. And again, we saw the glory of the telestial, 
which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of 
the 3a stars differs from that of the glory of the moon 
in the firmament. 

* 82. These are they who received not the gospel of 
Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus. 

83. These are they who deny not the Holy Spirit. 

84. These are they who are 3& thrust down to hell. 

85. These are they who shall not be redeemed from 
the devil, until the 3c last resurrection, until the Lord, 
even Christ the Lamb shall have finished his work. 

86. These are they who receive not of his fullness 
in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through 
the ministration of the terrestrial ; 

87. And the terrestrial through the ministration of 
the celestial ; 

88. And also the telestial receive it of the ^ad- 
ministering of angels who are appointed to minister for 
them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits 
for them, for they 3<J shall be heirs of salvation. 

89. And thus we saw in the heavenly vision, the 
glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understand- 
ing 

2y, receive a reward according to their works. 2z, they cannot 

become kings. 3 a, vers. 88—90, 98—106, 109—112. 88 : 31, 32. 

i. Cor. 15: 41. 35. see v. 3 c, 43 : 18. 88 : 100, 101. 

3 d, Heb. 1 : 14. 3 e, Heb. 1 : 14. 



SEC. LXXVI.J COMMANDMENTS. 273 

90. And no man knows it except him to whom 
God has revealed it. 

91. And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial, 
which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, 
even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in 
dominion. 

92. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, 
which excels in all things — where God, even the Father, 
reigns upon his throne for ever and ever ; 

93. Before whose throne all things bow in humble 
reverence and give him glory for ever and ever. 

94. They who dwell in ^his presence are the 
church of the first born, and they see as they are seen, 
and know as they are known, having received of his 
fullness and of his grace ; 

95. And he makes them 3 #equal in power, and in 
might, and in dominion. 

96. And the glory of the celestial is one, even as 
the glory of the 3A sun is one. 

97. And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even 
as the glory of the 3i moon is one. 

98. And the glory of the telestial is one, even as 
the glory of the stars is one, for as one 3 -?star differs 
from another star in glory, even so differs one from 
another in glory in the telestial world ; 

99. For these are they who are of Paul, and of 
Apollos, and of Cephas. 

100. These are they who say they are some of one 
and some of another — some of Christ and some of 
John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some 
of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch ; 

101. But received not the gospel, neither the testi- 
mony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the 3 ^"ever- 
lasting covenant. 

102. Last of all, these all are they who will not be 

3/, ver. 62. See a, Sec. 1. Sg, 29 : 12, 13. 35 : 2. 38 : 24—27. 
50 : 43, 44. 78 : 5—7. 84 : 35—39. '132 : 20. 3 h, I. Cor. 15 : 
40, 41. 3 1, i. Cor. 15 : 40, 41. Sj, I. Cor. 15 : 41. 3k, see k, Sec. 1. 

T 



274 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI. 

gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto 3Z the 
church of the first born, and received into the cloud. 

103. These are 37/l they who are liars, and sorcerers, 
and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves 
and makes a lie. 

104. These are they who suffer the 3n wrath of 
God on the earth. 

105. These are they who suffer the 3o vengeance of 
eternal fire. 

106. These are they who are ^cast down to hell and 
suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fullness 
of times when Christ shall have subdued all enemies 
under his feet, and shall have perfected his work, 

107. When he shall 3 ?deliver up the kingdom, and 
present it unto the Father spotless, saying — I have over- 
come and have 3r trodden the wine-press alone, even 
the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Al- 
mighty God. 

108. Then shall 35 he be crowned with the crown of 
his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign 
for ever and ever. 

109. But behold, and lo, we saw the glory and 
the 3 inhabitants of the telestial world, that they were 
as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, 
or as the sand upon the sea shore, 

110." And heard the voice of the Lord, saying — 
these all shall 3w bow the knee, and every tongue shall 
confess to him who sits upon the throne for ever and 
ever ; 

111. For they shall be judged according to their 
works, and every man shall receive according to his 
own works, his own dominion, in the 3r mansions which 
are prepared, 

112. And they shall be 3 ^servants of the Most 

SI, see a, Sec. 1. 3m, 63 : 17, 18. Rev. 21 : 8. 22 : 15. 3n, Jude, 
1 : 14—16. 3o, Jude 1 : 7. Zp, see v. 3q, I. Cor. 15 : 

24—28. 3r, 133 : 46—51. 3 s, Rev. 19 : 16. 22 : 3—5. St, 132 : 

25. 8w, Rom. 14 : 10—12. Philip. 2 : 9—11. 3 v, telestial, 

mansions. Zw\ servants of God, but riot Gods nor eons of God. 132 : 16, 17. " 



9 

SEC. lxxvil] commandments. 275 

High, but where God and Christ dwell they cannot 
come, worlds without end. 

113. This is the end of the vision which we saw^ 
which we were commanded to w r rite while we were y& 
in the Spirit. 

114. But great and marvelous are the works of the 
Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he 
show r ed unto us, which surpasses all understanding in 
glory, and in might, 5nd in dominion, 

115. Which he commanded us we should not write 
while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not 3 *lawful 
for man to utter ; 

116. Neither is man capable to make them known, 
for they are 3 ^only to be seen and understood \rj the 
power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those 
who love him, and purify themselves before him ; 

117. To 3 *whom he grants this privilege of seeing 
and knowing for themselves ; 

118. That through the power and manifestation of 
the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear 
his presence in the world of glory. 

119. And to God and the Lamb be glory, and 
honor, and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 



SECTION 77. 

Key to John's Revelation, given through Joseph, the 
Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, about the 1st of 
March, 1832. 

1. Q. — What is the a sea of glass spoken of by 
John, 4th chapter, and 6th verse of the Revelations ? 

3x, in. Nep. 28 : 12—14. 3 y, i. Cor. 2 : 9—15. 3z, vers. 5—10. 
See o, Sec. 50. 

a, 130 ; 6-9. 



276 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVn. 

A. — It is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and 
eternal state. 

2. Q. — What are we to understand by the four 
^beasts, spoken of in the same verse ? 

A. — They are figurative expressions, used by the 
Revelator John, in describing heaven, the ^Paradise of 
God, the happiness of man, and of d beasts, and of 
creeping things, and of the fowls of the air ; that, 
which is spiritual, being in the likeness of that which 
is temporal ; and that which is ^temporal, is in the 
likeness of that which is spiritual ; the ^spirit of man 
in the likeness of his person, as also the ^spirit of the 
beast, and every other creature which God has created. 

3. Q. — Are the four beasts limited to individual 
beasts, or do they represent classes or orders ? 

A. — They are limited to four individual beasts, 
which were shown to John, to represent the glory of 
the ^classes of beings, in their destined order or sphere 
of creation, in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity. 

4. Q. — What are we to understand by the eyes, 
and wings, which the beasts had ? 

A. — Their eyes are a ^'representation of light, and 
knowledge ; that is, they are full of knowledge ; and 
their wings are a ^representation of power, to move, 
to act, &c. 

5. Q. — What are we to understand by the four and 
twenty elders, spoken of by John ? 

A. — We are to understand that these elders whom 

6. every living creature to be made immortal, to be endowed with know- 
ledge and language. c, a place for the departed spirits of all flesh. 
d, a condition of happiness. e, the spirit of every living thing, being 
in the likeness of its temporal body. /, the likeness consists in the 
resemblance of form. g t the spirit of man, in the image or form of the 
body. A, the spirits of beasts, fowls, fish, creeping things, &c, re- 
sembling their temporal bodies. i, the eternal glory, power, know- 
ledge and happiness of every class of animated beings, represented by four 
individual or figurative beasts. j, that they are full of light and know- 
ledge, is manifest from the wisdom of their language. k, their actions 
and movements, like that of man, are by the power of their wills, and, like 
all intelligence, they are independent in their respective spheres. For the 
last ten letters of reference, see Sec. 29 : 22—25. Also 1st and 2nd chapters 
Of Gen., Inspired Translation. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 4-6. pp. 84— 36* . 



SEC. LXXVII.] COMMANDxMENTS. 277 

John saw, were elders who had been faithful in the 
work of the ministry and were dead ; who 'belonged 
to the seven churches, — and were then in the ^Paradise 
of God. 

6. Q. — What are we to understand by the boon 
which John saw, which was sealed on the back 
with n seven seals ? 

A. — We are to understand that it contains the re- 
vealed will, mysteries, and works of God ; the hidden 
things of his economy concerning this earth during 
the °seven thousand years of its continuance, or its 
temporal existence. 

7. Q. — What are we to understand by the *seven 
seals with which it was sealed ? 

A. — We are to understand that the ?first seal con- 
tains the things of the first thousand years, and 
the r second also of the second thousand years, and so 
on until the seventh. 

8. Q. — What are we to understand by the *four 
angels, spoken of in the 7th chap, and 1st verse of 
Revelations ? 

A. — We are to understand that they are four 
angels sent forth from God, to whom is given power 
over the four parts of the earth, to save life and to 
destroy ; these are they who have the ^everlasting 
gospel to commit to every nation, kindred, tongue, 
and people ; having power to shut up the heavens, 
to w seal up unto life, or to cast down to the r regions 
of darkness. 

9. Q. — What are we to understand by the angel 

I, Rev. 1 : 20. Chapters 2 and 3. tn, ver. 2. Luke 23 : 43. 

ir. Cor. 12 : 4. Rev. 2 : 7. II. Nep. 9 : 13. Alma 40 : 12, 14. iv. Nep. 1 : 
14. Moro. 10 : 34. n, Rev. 5:1. o, one of the secret Records 

kept in heaven : no man in heaven or on earth, or even angel, found worthy 
to open it, or look thereon. p, the hidden mysteries of God's economy, 

concerning this earth, during its temporal existence of seven thousand years. 
q, the secrets of the first thousand years. r, the secrets of the second 

thousand years, &c. «, four heavenly messengers who commit the 

gospel preparatory to the Second Coming of Christ t t see &, Sec. 18. 

w, see d, Sec. 1. v> see d, Sec. 1. 



278 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXTII. 

ascending from the east, Revelations 7th chap, and 2nd 
verse ? 

A. — We are to understand that the angel ascending 
from the east, is he to whom is given the "seal of the 
living God, over the twelve tribes of Israel ; wherefore 
he crieth unto the four angels having the ^everlasting 
gospel, saying, hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor 
the trees, till we have ^sealed the servants of our God 
in their foreheads ; and if you will receive it, this is 
r Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes 
of Israel and restore all things. 

10. Q. — What time are the things spoken of in 
2a this chapter to be accomplished ? 

A. — They are to be accomplished in the sixth thou- 
sandth year, or the opening of the 26 sixth seal. 

11. Q. — What are we to understand by 2 dealing 
the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all 
the tribes of Israel ; twelve thousand out of every 
tribe ? 

A. — We are to understand that those who are sealed 
are 2d High Priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, 
to administer the 2<J ever lasting gospel; for they are they 
who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, 
and people, by 2 ^the angels to whom is given power over 
the nations of the earth, to bring as many as w T ill come 
to the 2 ^church of the first born. 

12. Q. — What are we to understand by the ^sound- 
ing of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of 
Revelations ? 

A. — We are to understand that as God made the 
world in six days, and on the 2l 'seventh day he finished 
his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of 

w t see d, Sec. 1. #, see b, Sec. 18. y, see d, Sec. 1. 

z y see g, Sec. 27. 2 a, Rev. 8. 2 b, His hidden purposes, relating 

to the sixth thousandth years, before they close. 2c, ver. 9. 2 c?, these 

144,000 High Priests are messengers sent forth to prepare the way for the 
coming of the Lord. 2 e, see b, Sec. 18. 2/, ordained by angels 

who are in possession of the High Priesthood. 2g, see a, Sec. 1. 

2 h, 88 : 94—107. 2t, God finished the work of creation on the seventh 

day. See pp. 6 and 35, Pearl of Great Price. 



6EC. LXXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 279 

the 2 ->dust of the earth ; even so, in the 2A "beginning of 
the seventh thousand years will the Lord God sanctify 
the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge 
all things, and shall redeem all things, except that which 
he hath not put into his power, when he shall have 
2 Sealed all things, unto the end of all things ; and the 
sounding of the 2 ™trumpets of the seven angels, are the 
preparing, and finishing of his work, in the 2 beginning 
of the seventh thousand years ; — the preparing of the 
way before the 2o time of his coming. 

13. Q. — When are the things to be accomplished, 
which are written in the 9th chapter of Revelations ? 

A. — They are to be accomplished Rafter the opening 
of the seventh seal, before the coming of Christ. 

14. Q. — What are we to understand by the little 
book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 
10th chapter of Revelations ? 

A. — We are to understand that it was a 2 ^mission, 
and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel ; 
behold, this is 2r Elias ; who, as it is written, must come 
and restore all things. 

15. Q. — What is to be understood by the Hwo wit- 
nesses, in the eleventh chapter of Revelations ? 

A. — They are two prophets that are to be raised up 
to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the 
restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews, after they are 
gathered, and build the city of Jerusalem, in the land 
of their fathers. 



2j y Pearl of Great Price, pp. 6 and 35. n. Nep. 2 : 15. 29 : 7. Jacob 
4:9. Mos. 2 : 25. 4 : 21. 7 : 27. 28: 17. Alma lc : 28, 34, 36. 22: 10— 13. 
42 : 2. Mor. 6 : 15. 9 : 11, 12, 17. Ether 3 : 15, 16. Moro. 10 : 3. 
2k, in the morning of the seventh great day of rest, the bodies of the saints 
will be resurrected. See m, Sec. 29. 21, see d, Sec. 1. 2m, 88 : 

94 — 107. 2n, a period which is nigh, even at the doors. 2o, see e, 

Sec. 1. 2p, the opening of the seventh seal, and the sounding of the 

trumpets of the fifth and sixth angel, are events of the morning of the 
seventh thousand years, before the coming of Christ. 2q, see Sec. 7. 

Rev. 10 : 8—11. 2r, see g, Sec. 27. Ss, n. Nep. 8 : 18—20. 



280 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVIIL 



SECTION 78. 

Revelation given at Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, 
between the 1st and 20th of March, 1832. The 
order given of the Lord to Enoch, {Joseph 
Smith, jr.,) for the purpose of establishing the 
poor. 

1. The Lord spake unto Enoch, (Joseph Smith, jr.,) 
saying, Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, 
who are ordained unto the a high priesthood of my 
church, who have assembled yourselves together ; 

2. And listen to the counsel of him who has or- 
dained you from on high, who shall speak in your ears 
the words of wisdom, that salvation may be unto you 
in that thing which you have presented before me, 
saith the Lord God ; 

3. For verily I say unto you, the time has come, 
and is now at hand ; and behold, and lo, it must needs 
be that there be an ^organization of my people, in regu- 
lating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for 
the poor of my people, both in this place and in the 
land of Zion, 

4. Or in other words, the city of Enoch, (Joseph) for 
a permanent and Everlasting^ establishment and order 
unto my church, to advance the cause, which ye have 
espoused to the salvation of man, and to the glory of 
your Father who is in heaven, 

5. That you may be d equal in the bands of heavenly 
things ; yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining 
of heavenly things ; 

6. For if ye are not e equal in earthly things, ye 
cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things ; 

7. For if you will that I give unto you a place in 

a, see i, Sec. 68. 6, vers. 11, 12. c, ver. 11. 82 : 11, 12, 15, 

20. 92 : 1,^2. 104 : 1, 48. d, ver. 6. e, see a, Sec. 51. 



SEC. LXXVIII.] commandments. 281 

the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by 
doing the things which I have commanded you and 
required of you. 

8. And now, verily thus saith the Lord, it is ex- 
pedient that all things be done unto my glory, by you 
who are joined together in this order ; 

9. Or in other words, let my servant Ahashdah 
(Newel K. Whitney) and my servant Gazelam, or 
Enoch, (Joseph Smith, jr.,) and my servant Pelagoram, 
(Sidney Rigdon,) sit in council with the saints which 
are -^in Zion ; 

10. Otherwise Satan seeketh to turn their hearts 
away from the truth, that they become blinded and 
understand not the things which are prepared for 
them ; 

11. Wherefore a commandment I give unto you, to 
prepare and ^organize yourselves by a bond or everlast- 
ing covenant that cannot be broken. 

12. And he who breaketh it shall lose his office 
and standing in the church, and shall be delivered 
over to the ^bufferings of Satan until the day of re- 
demption. 

13. Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I pre- 
pare you, and the foundation, and the ensample which 
I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the com- 
mandments which are given you, 

14. That through my providence, notwithstanding 
the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the 
church may stand ^independent above all other creatures 
beneath the celestial world, 

15. That you may come up unto the crown prepared 
for you, and be made rulers over *many kingdoms, saith 
the Lord God, the Holy One of Zion, who hath estab- 
lished the foundations of *Adam-ondi-Ahman ; 

16. Who hath appointed ^Michael your prince, and 

/, see q, Sec. 42. g y ver. 3. h, 82 : 21. 104 : 9, 10. 
t, 58 : 3, 4. See k, Sec. 63. ?', see Sec. 44. k t 132 : 19, 53. 
1, 107 : 53. Sec. 116. 117 : 8, 11. m, 107 : 54, 55. 



282 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXIX. 

established his feet, and set him upon high, and given 
unto him the keys of salvation n under the counsel and 
direction of the Holy One, who is without beginning of 
days or end of life. 

17. Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little chil- 
dren, and ye have not as yet understood how great 
blessings the Father hath in his own hands and pre- 
pared for you ; 

18. And ye cannot bear all things now, neverthe- 
less be of good cheer, for I will lead you along : 
the °kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are 
yours ; and the ^riches of eternity are yours ; 

19. And he who receiveth all things with thankful- 
ness shall be made glorious ; and the things of this 
earth shall be added unto him, even an ^hundred fold, 
yea, more ; 

20. Wherefore, do the things w r hich I have com- 
manded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son r Ahman, 
w r ho prepareth all things before he taketh you ; 

21. For ye are the ^church of the first born, and 
he will take you *up in a cloud, and appoint every man 
his portion. 

22. And he that is a faithful and w wise stewasd 
shall inherit all things. Amen. 



SECTION 79. 



Herniation through Joseph, the Seer, given at Hiram, 
Portage County, Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of 
March, 1832. 

1. Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that 

n, ver. 15. 107 : 54, 55. o, see z, Sec. 35. p, see 2 a, Sec. 38. 

q, 132 : 55. r, in the pure language, signifies God. 8, see a, Sec. 1. 

t, 76 : 102. 88 : 96. u, 51 : 19. 84 : 38. 101 : 61. 124 : 14. 



SEC. LXXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 2b3 

toy servant Jared Carter should go again into the 
eastern countries, from place to place, and from city to 
city, in the power of the ordination wherewith he has 
been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, 
even the "everlasting gospel ; 

2. And I will send upon him the ^Comforter, which 
shall teach him the truth and the way whither he 
shall go ; 

3. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him 
again with c sheaves ; 

4. Wherefore, let your heart be glad, my servant 
Jared Carter, and fear not, saith your Lord, even Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 



SECTION 80. 



Bevelatioii through Joseph, the Seer, given at Hiram, 
Portage Co., Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of 
March, 1832. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant 
Stephen Burnett, go ye, go ye into the world and 
preach the gospel to every creature that cometh under 
the sound of your voice ; 

2. And inasmuch as you desire a companion, I will 
give unto you my servant a Eden Smith ; 

3. Wherefore go ye and preach my gospel, whether 
to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, 
it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss ; 

4. Therefore, declare the things which ye have 
heard and verily believe, and & know to be true. 

a, see b, Sec. 18. b, see h, Sec. 42. c, see 7c, Sec. 24. 

a, 75 : 36. b, see I, Sec. 20 



28i COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXI. 

5. Behold, this is the will of him who hath called 
you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ Amen. 



SECTION 81. 



Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, given at Hiram, 
Portage Co., Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of 
March, 1832. 

1. Verily, verily I say unto you my servant Frederick 
G. Williams, listen to the voice of him who speaketh, 
to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the 
calling wherewith you are called, even to be a a High 
Priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant 
Joseph Smith, jun., 

2. Unto whom I have given the 6 keys of the king- 
dom, which belongeth always unto the Presidency of 
the High Priesthood : 

3. Therefore, verily, I acknowledge him and will 
bless him, and also thee, inasmuch as thou art faithful 
in counsel, in the office which I have appointed unto 
you, in prayer always vocally and in thy heart, in pub- 
lic and in private, also in thy ministry in proclaiming 
the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy 
brethren : 

4. And in doing these things thou wilt do the 
greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and will promote 
the glory of him who is your Lord ; 

5. Wherefore, be faithful, stand in the office which 
I have appointed unto you, succor the weak, lift up the 
hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble 
knees; 

6. And if thou art faithful unto the end, thou shalt 

a, see i, Sec. 68. b t see x, Sec. 35. c, see j, Sec. 68. 



EEC. LXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 285 

have a crown of immortality and eternal life in the 
^mansions which I have prepared in the house of my 
Father. 

7. Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and 
Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen. 



SECTION 82. 



Revelation given in Jackson County, Missouri, April 
2&th y 1832, showing the order given to Enoch, and 
the Church in his day. 

1. Verily, verily I say unto you, my servants, that 
inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your tres- 
passes, even so I, the Lord, forgive you ; 

2. Nevertheless there are those among you who 
have sinned exceedingly ; yea, even all of you have 
sinned, but verily I say unto you, beware from hence- 
forth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon 
your heads ;• 

3. For unto whom ^hnuch is given much is required ; 
and he who sins against the greater light shall receive 
the greater condemnation. 

4. Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give 
them unto you ; and inasmuch as ye keep not my say- 
ings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors, 
and justice and judgment are the penalty which is 
affixed unto my law ; 

5. Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all, 
Watch, for the adversary 6 spreadeth his dominions and 
darkness reigneth ; 

d, see a, Sec. 59. 
a, Luke 12 : 48. b, 38 ; 11, 12. 



286 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXII. 

6. And the anger of God kindleth against the in- 
habitants of the earth ; and none doeth good, for all 
have gone out of the way. 

7. And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will 
not lay any sin to your charge ; go your ways and sin 
no more ; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the for- 
mer sins return, saith the Lord your God. 

" 8. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new 
commandment, that you may understand my will con- 
cerning you, 

9. Or, in other w r ords, I give unto you directions 
how you may act before me, that it may turn to you 
for your salvation. 

10. I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, 
but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. 

11. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is ex- 
pedient for my servant Alam, and Ahashdah, (Newel 
K. Whitney,) Mahalaleel, and Pelagoram, (Sidney 
Rigdon,) and my servant Gazelam, (Joseph Smith,) and 
Horah, and Olihah, (Oliver Cowdery,) and Shalemanas- 
seh, and Mahemson, (Martin Harris,) to be bound to- 
gether by a ^bond and covenant that cannot be broken 
by transgression, (except judgment shall immediately 
follow,) in your several stewardships, 

12. To manage the affairs of the poor, and all things 
pertaining to the bishopric both in the land of Zion and 
m the land of Shinehah, (Kirtland,) 

13. For I have consecrated the land of Shinehah, 
(Kirtland,) in mine own due time for the benefit of 
the saints of the Most High, and for a e Stake to 
Zion; 

14. For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holi- 
ness ; her borders must be enlarged ; her Stakes must 
be strengthened ; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must 
arise and put on her ^ beautiful garments : 

c, Ezek. 3 : 20. d, 78 : 11—13. e, ver. 14. 94 : 1. 96:1. 
101 : 21. 104 : 48. 107 : 36, 37, 74. 115 : 6, 18. 119 : 7. 124 ; 2, 36, 134. 
125 : 4. /, Isa. 52 : 1. in. Nep. 20 : 86. 



SEC. LXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 287 

15. Therefore I give unto you this commandment, 
that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall 
be done according to the laws of the Lord. 

16. Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good. 

17. And you are to be ^equal, or in other words, 
you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the 
benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, 
every man according to his wants and his needs, inas- 
much as his wants are just ; 

18. And all this for the benefit of the ^church of 
the living God, that every man may improve upon his 
talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, 
even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's store- 
house, to become the ^common property of the whole 
church, 

19. Every man seeking the ^interest of his neighbor, 
and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of 
God. 

20. This order I have appointed to be an z everlast- 
ing order unto you, and unto your successors, inasmuch 
as you sin not ; 

21. And the soul that sins against this covenant, 
and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with 
according to, the laws of my church, and shall be de- 
livered over to the w buffetings of Satan until the day 
of redemption. 

22. And now, verily I say unto you, and this is 
wisdom, make unto yourselves friends with the ^mam- 
mon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you. 

23. Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine 
and I will repay. Peace be with you ; my blessings 
continue with you, 

24. For even yet the °kingdom is yours, and shall 
be for ever, if you fall not from your steadfastness. 
Even so. Amen. 

g, see a, Sec. 51. h, see a, Sec. 1. i, Matt. 25 : 14-30. 

j.-see n< Sec. 42. k, see a, Sec. 51. I, 78 : 11—13. 82 : 11, 17—22. 

w, see h, Sec. 78. w, Luke 16 : 9. o, see x, Sec. 35. 



288 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIII., LXXXIV, 



SECTION 83. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Indepen- 
dence, Jackson County, Missouri, April 30th, 1832. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, in addition to the 
laws of the church concerning women and children, 
those who belong to the church, who have lost their 
husbands or fathers. 

2. Women have a claim on their husbands for their 
maintenance, until their husbands are taken, and if 
they are not found transgressors they shall have fellow- 
ship in the church ; 

3. And if they are not faithful, they shall not have 
fellowship in the church ; yet they may remain upon 
their inheritances according to the laws of the land. 

4. All children have 6 claim upon their parents for 
their maintenance until they are of age. 

5. And after that they have c claim upon the 
church, or in other words upon the Lord's storehouse, 
if their parents have not wherewith to give them in- 
heritances. 

6. And the storehouse shall be kept by the d con- 
secrations of the church, and widows and orphans shall 
be provided for, as also the poor. Amen. 



SECTION 84. 



A Revelation, given through Joseph, the Prophet, at 
Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, the 22nd and 
23rd of September, 1832. 

1. A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant 

a, I. Tim. 5. i. Pet. 3. &, 29 : 47, 48. 68 : 25—31. c, see a, 

Sec. 51. - d, see n, Sec. 42. 



SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 289 

Joseph Smith, jim., and six elders, as they united their 
hearts and lifted their voices on high. 

2. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, 
established in the last days for the restoration of his 
people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, 
and for the "gathering of his saints to stand upon 
Mount Zion, which shall be the city of & New Jerusalem, 

3. Which city shall be built, beginning at the 
temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the 
Lord, in the western boundaries of the state of 
Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, 
jun., and others with w T hom the Lord was well pleased. 

4. Verily this is the word of the Lord, that 
the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gather- 
ing of the saints beginning at this place, even the 
place of the temple, which temple shall be ^reared in 
this generation ; 

5. For verily, this generation shall not ^all pass 
away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and 
a ^cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even 
the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house. 

6. And the ^sons of Moses, according to the Holy 
Priesthood which he received under the hand of his 
father-in-law, *Jethro ; 

7. And Jethro received it under the hand of Caleb ; 

8. And Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu ; 

9. And Elihu under the hand of Jeremy ; 

10. And Jeremy under the hand of Gad ; 

11. And Gad under the hand of Esaias ; 

12. And Esaias received it under the hand of God. 

13. Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham, and 
was blessed of him — 

14. Which Abraham received the ^'Priesthood from. 

a, see j, Sec. 10. b, see d , Sec. 28. c, 57 : 1—3. 

e, 124 : 49—54. /, a generation does not all pass away in one hundred 

vears. g, vers. 31, 32. h, vers. 31, 34. i, Exo- 

dus 18. i Gen. 14 : 18—20. 

U 



290 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV. 

Melchisedek, who received it through the lineage of 
his fathers, even till Noah ; 

15. And from Noah till Enoch, through the ^lineage 
of their fathers ; 

16. And from Enoch *to Abel, who was slain by 
the conspiracy of his brother, who received the ™Priest- 
hood by the commandments of God, by the hand of 
his father Adam, who was the first man — 

17. Which ^Priesthood continueth in the church 
of God in all generations, and is without beginning of 
days or end of years. 

18. And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also 
upon ° Aaron and his seed, throughout all their gener- 
ations — which priesthood also continueth and %bideth 
forever with the Priesthood, which is ^after the holiest 
order of God. 

19. And this ^greater Priesthood administereth 
the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the 
kingdom even the key of the knowledge of God ; 

20. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the s power 
of godliness is manifest ; 

21. And without the ordinances thereof, and the 
authority of the Priesthood, the power of godliness 
is *not manifest unto men in the flesh ; 

22. For without this no man can w see the face of 
God, even the Father, and live. 

23. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children 
of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to 
sanctify his people that they might ^behold the face of 
God; 

24. But they hardened their hearts and could not 
endure his presence, therefore the Lord in his wrath (for 
his anger was kindled against them) swore that they 

k, through Lamech and Methuselah. Z, through six successive 

generations, to Abel, or Seth. m, 107 : 40—57. n, 107 : 1. See i, 

Sec. 68. o, vers. 26—28, 30. p, Exodus 40 r 15. Num. 25 : 13. 

q, see i, Sec. 68. r, see i, Sec. 68. s, vers. 21—30. 107 : 8—12, 

18, 19. 113 : B. 128 : 11. t, Luke 3 : 16. John 10 : 41. u, see o, 

Sec. 50. _ v, see o, Sec. 50. 



SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 291 

should not tp enter into his rest while in the wilderness, 
which rest is the fullness of his glory. 

25. Therefore he took Moses out of their midst, 
and the *Holy Priesthood also ; 

26. And the ^lesser priesthood continued, which 
priesthood holdeth the 2 key of the ministering of angels 
and the preparatory gospel ; 

27. Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and 
of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of 
carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath, 
caused to continue with the 2a house of Aaron among 
the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, 
being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's 
womb ; 

28. For he was baptized while he was yet in his 
childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the 
time he was eight days old unto this power, to over- 
throw the kingdom of the Jews, and to make 2 ^straight 
the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to 
prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose 
hand is given 2 c all power. 

29. And again, the offices of elder and bishop are 
necessary 2rf appendages belonging unto the 2e High 
Priesthood. 

30. And again, the offices of teacher and deacon 
are necessary ^appendages belonging to the lesser 
priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron 
and his sons. 

31. Therefore, as I said ^concerning the sons of 
Moses — for the sons of Moses, and also the sons of 
Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice 
in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built 
unto the Lord in 2A this generation, upon the 2 ^conse- 
crated spot as I have appointed ; 

w, Heb. 3 : 11, 18, 19. 4 : 1—11. x, see i, Sec. 68. y, The 

Aaronic. z, 107 : 13—15, 20. Exod. 33 : 1—4. 2a, Ezek. 20 : 25, 

2 6, Matt. 3:3. 2c, 93 : 17. 2d, 107 : 7, 11, 22—26, 36, 37. 

2e, see i, See. 03. 2/, 107 : 85—88. 2g } vers. C, 32. 2h y see /. 

" i, ver. 3. 57 : 1-3. 



292 COVENANTS AND, [SEC. LXXX1V. 

X 

32. And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be 
^filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in 
the Lord's house, whose sons are ye ; and also many 
whom I have called and sent forth to build up my 
church ; 

33. For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these 
two Priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the mag- 
nifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto 
the ^renewing of their bodies ; 

34. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron 
and the seed of Abraham, and the church and 2 Tung- 
dom, and the 2 ™elect of God ; 

35. And also all they who receive this 2n Priesthood 
receiveth me, saith the Lord ; 

36. For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me ; 

37. And he that receiveth me 2o receiveth my 
Father ; 

38. And he that receiveth my Father, Receiveth 
my Father's kingdom ; therefore 2 ?all that my Father 
hath shall be given unto him ; 

39. And this is according to the oath and covenant 
which belongeth to the Priesthood. 

40. Therefore, all those who receive the Priesthood, 
receive this 2r oath and covenant of my Father, which 
he cannot break, neither can it be moved ; 

41. But whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath 
received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall 2s not 
have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world 
to come. 

42. And all those who come not unto this ^Priest- 
hood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon 
you who are present this day, by mine own voice out 
of the heavens, and even I have given the 2M heavenly 
hosts and mine angels charge concerning you. 

2 ?', ver. 5. 2k, Gal. 3 : 27—29. 21, see or, Sec. 35. 

2 m, ver. 99. 29 : 7. 2«, vers. 88—90. 112 : 20. 2o, John 13 : 
20. 2p, see x, Sec. 35. 2q, see d, Sec. 50. 2r, vers. 
4U, 4& 2s, 41 : 1. 7G : 29—37. 2 r, see i, Sec. 03. 2u, ver. 88. 



SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 293 

43. And I now give unto you a commandment to 
beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to 
the words of eternal life : 

44. For you shall live by every word that pro- 
ceedeth forth from the mouth of God. 

45. For the word of the Lord is truth, and ^what- 
soever is truth is light, and 2w whatsover is light is 
Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ ; 

46. And the Spirit giveth light to 2 *e very man that 
cometh into the world ; and the Spirit enlighteneth 
every man ^through the world, that hearkeneth to the 
voice of the Spirit ; 

47. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of 
the Spirit, cometh unto God, even the Father ; 

48. And the Father teacheth him of the ^cove- 
nant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, 
which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not 
for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole 
world ; 

49. And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth 
under darkness and under the bondage of sin ; 

50. And by this you may know they are under the 
bondage of sin, because they come not unto me. 

51. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the 
bondage of sin ; 

52. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not ac- 
quainted with my voice, and is not of me ; 

53. And by this you may know the righteous from 
the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under 
sin and darkness even now. 

54. And your minds in times past have been dark- 
ened because of unbelief, and because you have treated 
lightly the things you have received, 

55. Which vanity and unbelief hath brought the 
3a whole church under condemnation. 

2 v, 88 : 6—13, 41, 49, 50, Q6, 67. 2 w>, see 2 v. 2x, 93 : 2. 

2y,93:28. 22, see k, Sec. 1. 8 a, see a, Sec. 1. 



29i COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXTV. 

56. And this condemnation restetli upon the chil- 
dren of Zion, even all : 

57. And they shall remain under this condemnation 
until they repent and remember the 36 new covenant, 
even the Book of Mormon and the former command- 
ments which I have given them, not only to say, but to 
do according to that which I have written, 

58. That they may bring forth fruit meet for their 
Father's kingdom, otherwise there remaineth a scourge 
and a judgment to be poured out upon the 3 children 
of Zion : 

59. For shall the children of the kingdom pollute 
my holy land ? Verily, I say unto you, Nay. 

60. Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear my 
words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as 
you receive these things ; 

61. For I will forgive you of your sins with this 
commandment, that you remain steadfast in your minds 
in 3d solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing tes- 
timony to all the world of those things which are com- 
municated unto you. 

62. Therefore 3e go ye into all the world, and what- 
soever place ye cannot go into ye shall send, that the 
testimony may go from you into all the world unto 
every creature. 

63. And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say 
unto you, for you are 3 ^mine apostles, even God's High 
Priests ; ye are they whom my Father hath given me — 
ye are my friends ; 

64. Therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say 
unto you again, that 3 ^every soul who belie veth on your 
words, and is baptized by water for the remission of 
sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost ; 

65. And these 3A signs shall follow them that believe. 

3fr, see k, Sec. 1. 3 c, upon those gathered in Missouri. 3d, 43 : 

34. 88 : 121. 3e, see 6, Sec. 1. 3/, 20 : 2, 3. 27 : 12. 95 : 4. 

30, Mark 16 : 15—18. Acts 2 : 37—39. 3 h, Mark 16 : 17, 18. 



SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 295 

66. In my name they shall do many wonderful 
works ; ' 

67. In my name they shall cast out devils ; 

68. In my name they shall heal the sick ; 

69. In my name they shall open the eyes of the 
blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf ; 

70. And the tongue of the dumb shall speak ; 

71. And if any man shall administer poison unto 
them it shall not hurt them ; 

72. And the poison of a serpent shall not have 
power to harm them. 

73. But a commandment I give unto them, that 
they shall 3l 'not boast themselves of these things, neither 
speak them before the world, for these things are given 
unto you for your profit and for salvation. 

74. Verily, verily, I say unto you 3 4hey who believe 
not on your words, and are not baptized in water, in 
my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may 
receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not 
come into my Father's kingdom, where my Father and 
I am. 

75. And this revelation unto you, and command- 
ment, is in force 3 %m this very hour upon all the 
world, and the gospel is unto all who have not re- 
ceived it. 

76. But, verily, I say unto all those to whom 
the 3 kingdom has been given, from you it must be 
preached unto them, that they shall repent of their 
former evil works, for they are to be upbraided for 
their evil hearts of unbelief; and your brethren in 
Zion for their 3 '"rebellion against you at the time I 
sent you. 

77. And again I say unto you, my friends, (for from 
henceforth I shall call you friends,) it is expedient that 
I give unto you this commandment, that ye become 

3 1, Luke 8 : 54-56. 9 : 36. Sj, Mark 16 : 16. 3&, ver. U. 

Zl, see x, Sec. 35. Zm, in April, 1832. 



29 G COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV. 

even as my friends in days when I was with them 
traveling to preach the gospel in my power, 

78. For I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, 
neither two coats ; 

79. Behold I send you out to 3n prove the world, 
and the laborer is worthy of his hire. 

80. And any man that shall go and preach this 
gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful 
in all things shall 3o not be weary in mind, neither 
darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint : and an 
hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. 
And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst. 

81. Therefore, 3 ^take no thought for the morrow, 
for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or where- 
withal ye shall be clothed ; 

82. For consider the lilies of the field, how they 
grow, they toil not, neither do they spin ; and the 
kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not 
arrayed like one of these ; 

83. For your Father who art in heaven, knoweth 
that you have need of all these things. 

84. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the 
things of itself. 

85. Neither take ye thought beforehand 3 ?what ye 
shall say, but 3 treasure up in your minds continually 
the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very 
hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man. 

86. Therefore let no man among you, (for this com- 
mandment is unto all the faithful w 7 ho are called of 
God in the church unto the ministry,) from this 
hour 35 take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim 
this gospel of the kingdom. 

87. Behold, I send you out to reprove the world 
of all their 3 'unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of 
a judgment which is to come. 

3 m, vers. 86—97. 3o, 89 : 18—21. dp, in. Nep. 13 : 25—34. 

8<y, Matt. 10 : 19, 20. Sr, 11 ; 22. 3s, see;', Sec. 24. 

St, ver. 117. 



BO. LXXXIV.j COMMANDMENTS. 297 

88. And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, 
for I will go before your face : I will be on your right 
hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your 
hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear 
you up. 

89. Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the 
same Su will feed you, and clothe you, and give you 
money. 

90. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives 
you money, shall in no wise lose his reward : 

91. And he that doeth not these things is not my 
disciple ; by this you may know my disciples. 

92. He that receiveth you not, go away from him 
alone by yourselves, and 3 v cleanse your feet even with 
water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and bear 
testimony of it unto your Father w r hich is in heaven, 
and return not again unto that man. 

93. And in whatsoever village or city ye enter, do 
likewise. 

94. Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not ; 
and 3w -'wo unto that house, or that village or city that 
rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony con- 
cerning me. 

95. Wo, I say again, unto that house, or that village 
or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testi- 
mony of me ; 

96. For I the Almighty, have laid my hands upon 
the nations, to 3 ^scourge them for their wicked- 
ness : 

97. And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not 
be taken from the earth until I have completed my 
work which shall be cut short in righteousness, 

98. Until all shall 3 ^know me, who remain, even 
from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with 
the knowledge of the Lord, and shall 3 *see eye to eye, 

3 u, Matt. 10 : 40—42. 3 v, see d, Sec. 60. 3 w, see / and g, Sec. 1. 

3s, see / and g, Sec. 1. 3#, Jer. 31 : 33, 34. 32, Isa. 52 : 8. 



298 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV. 

and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together 
sing this new song, saying — 

99. The Lord hath brought '"again Zion 
The Lord hath 46 redeemed his people, Israel, 
According to the election of grace, 

Which was brought to pass by the faith 
And 4 Covenant of their fathers. 

100. The Lord hath redeemed his people, 
And 4rf Satan is bound and time is no longer : 
The Lord hath gathered 4 *all things in one : 
The Lord hath brought down 4 ^Zion from above. 
The Lord hath brought up 4 ^Zion from beneath. 

101. The earth hath travailed and brought forth 
her strength : 

And truth is established in her bowels : 

And the heavens have smiled upon her : 

And she is clothed 4A with the glory of her God : 

For he stands in the midst of his people : 

102. .Glory, and honor, and power, and might, 
Be ascribed to our God ; for he is full of mercy, 
Justice, grace and truth, and peace, 

For ever and ever, Amen. 

103. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, it is 
expedient that every man who goes forth to proclaim 
mine everlasting gospel, that inasmuch as they have 
families, and receive monies by gift, that they should 
send it unto them or make use of it for their benefit, as 
the Lord shall direct them, for thus it seemeth me good. 

104. And let all those who have not families, who 
receive monies, send it up unto the Bishop in Zion, or 
unto the Bishop in Ohio, that it may be consecrated 
for the bringing forth of the revelations and the print- 
ing thereof, and for establishing Zion. 

105. And if any man shall give unto any of you a 

4 a, Isa. 52 : S. 4&, Rom. 11 : 25— 28. 4 c, Rom. 11 : 27. 28. 

4a\ see 2t, Sec. 45. 4e, see j, Sec. 10. 4/, 45 : 11—14. The 

Zion of Enoch. Pearl of Great Price, p. 22. 4g, Zion to be taken up in 
a cloud. 4/t, Isa. 11 : 9. 



SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 299 

coat, or a suit, take the old and cast it unto the poor, 
and go your way rejoicing. 

106. And if any man among you be strong in the 
Spirit, let him take with him he that is weak, that ho 
may be edified in all meekness, that he may become 
strong also. 

107. Therefore, take with you those who are or- 
dained unto the 4 Cesser priesthood, and send them be- 
fore you to make appointments, and to prepare the 
way, and to fill appointments that you yourselves are 
not able to fill. 

108. Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in 
ancient days, built up my church unto me. 

109. Therefore, let every man stand in his own 
office, and labor in his own calling ; and let not the 
head say unto the feet, it hath 4 -?no need of the feet, 
for without the feet how shall the body be able to 
stand ? 

110. Also the body hath need of every member, 
that all may be edified together, that the system may 
be kept perfect. 

111. And behold the 4 ^High Priests should travel, 
and also the elders, and also the lesser priests ; but 
the deacons and teachers should be appointed to watch 
over the church, to be standing ministers unto the 
church. 

112. And the bishop, Newel K. Whitney, also, 
should travel round about and among all the churches, 
searching after the poor to administer to their wants 
by humbling the rich and the proud ; 

113. He should also employ an agent to take charge 
and to do his secular business as he shall direct ; 

114. Nevertheless, let the bishop go unto the city 
of New York, also to the city of Albany, and also to 
the city of Boston, and warn the people of those cities 
with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of 

4i, the Aaronic. 4j, I. Cor. 12 : 21. ik, see i, Sec. 58. 



300 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXV. 

the 4 ^desolation and utter abolishment which await 
them if they do reject these things ; 

115. For if they do reject these things the hour ot 
their judgment is nigh, and their house shall be left 
unto them desolate. 

116. Let him trust in me and he shall not be con- 
founded ; and an hair of his head shall not fall to the 
ground unnoticed. 

117. And verily I say unto you, the rest of my ser- 
vants, go ye forth as your circumstances shall permit, in 
your several callings unto the great and notable cities 
and villages, reproving the world in righteousness of all 
their 4m unrighteous and ungodly deeds, setting forth 
clearly and understandingly the 4n desolation of abomi- 
nation in the last days ; 

118. For, with you saith the Lord Almighty, I will 
4o rend their kingdoms : I will not only 4 ^shake the 
earth, but the 4 ^starry heavens shall tremble ; 

119. For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to 
4r exert the powers of heaven ; ye cannot see it now, 
yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I 
am, and that I will 4s come and reign with my people. 

120. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the 
end. Amen. 



SECTION 85. 



Herniation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, 
Ohio, November 21th, 1832, concerning the Saints in 
Zion, Jackson Co., Missouri. 

1. It is the duty of the Lord's clerk, whom he has 

4 1, see / and g, Sec. 1. 4 m, ver. 87. 4 n, see / and g y Sec. 1. 

4o, Dan. 2 : 34, 35, 44, 45 4p, see e, Sec. 21. iq, see e, Sec. 21, 

4/*, see e, Sec. 21. 4 8, see e, Sec. 1. 



SEC, LXXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 301 

appointed, to keep a "history, and a General Church 
liecord of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all 
those who consecrate properties, and receive inheri- 
tances legally from the bishop ; 

2. And also their manner of life, their faith, and 
works ; and also of all the apostates who apostatize 
after receiving their inheritances. 

3. It is contrary to the will and commandment of 
God, that those who receive not their inheritance by 
^consecration, agreeably to his law, which he has given, 
that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against 
the day of c vengeance and burning, should have their 
names enrolled with the poople of God ; 

4. Neither is their ^genealogy to be kept, or to be 
had where it may be found on any of the records or 
history of the church ; 

5. Their names shall not be found, neither the 
names of the fathers, nor the names of the children 
written in the *book of the law of God, saith the Lord 
of Hosts. 

6. Yea, thus saith the •'still small voice, which 
whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often 
times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh 
manifest, saying : 

7. And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, 
will #send one mighty and strong, holding the sceptre of 
power in his hand, clothed with A light for a covering, 
whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words ; while 
his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order 
the house of God, and to arrange by *lot the inheri- 
tances of the saints, whose names are found, and the 
names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled 
in the ->book of the law of God : 

8. While that man, who was called of God and ap- 



es, see a, Sec. 21. b, see n, Sec. 42. c, see / and g, Sec. 1. 

d, Ezm 2 : 62, 63. e, vers. 1, 9. /, i. Kings 19 : 11—13. 

p, A future messenger promised. h, brilliant and glorious in appear- 

ance, i, Joshua, chap. 11—19. ^',_vers. 1, 5, 9, 11. 



302 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVI. 

pointed, that putteth forth his hand to ^steady the ark 
of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree 
that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning ; 

9. And all they who are not found written in 
the *book of remembrance, shall find none inheritance 
in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their 
portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, 
where are Availing and gnashing of teeth. 

10. These things I say not of myself ; therefore, as 
the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfill. 

11. And they who are of the w High Priesthood, 
whose names are not found written in the book of the 
law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have 
been cut off from the church ; as well as the lesser 
priesthood, or the members, in that day, shall °not find 
an inheritance among the saints of the Mosk High ; 

12. Therefore it shall be done unto them as unto 
the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in 
the second chapter and sixty-first and second verses of 
Ezra. 



SECTION 86. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Prophet, at Kirt- 
land, Geauga Co., Ohio, Dec. 6th, 1832, explaining 
the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser- 
vants, concerning the parable of the wheat and of the 
tares. 

2. Behold, verily I say, that the field was the world, 
and the apostles were the sowers of the seed ; 

k, i. Chron. 13 : 9—12. I, see j. m, see e, Sec. 19. 

n, see i, Sec. 5S. o, see e, Sec. 19. 



SEC. lxxxvl] commandments. 303 

3. And after they have fallen asleep, the a great 
persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, 
even ^Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of 
her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth 
to reign, behold he soweth the tares, wherefore the 
tares choke the wheat and c drive the church into the 
wilderness. 

4. But behold, in the last days, even now while the 
Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the 
blade is springing up and is yet tender. 

5. Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels 
are ^crying unto the Lord day and night, who are 
ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the 
fields ; 

6. But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the 
tares while the blade is yet tender, (for verily your 
faith is weak,) lest you destroy the wheat also. 

7. Therefore let the wheat and the tares grow 
together until the harvest is fully ripe, then ye shall 
first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and 
after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo ! the 
tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to 
be burned. 

8. Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with 
whom the Priesthood hath continued through the e lin- 
eage of your fathers, 

9. For ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh, 
and have been hid from the world Avith Christ in 
God; 

10. Therefore your life and the Priesthood hath 
remained and must needs remain through you and 
your lineage, ^until the restoration of all things spoken 
by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world 
began. 

11. Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my 



a, Rev. 17 chap. &, Rev. 14, 17, 18 chap. c, Rev. 12 : 14. 

d, Matt. 1 3 : 30—42. e, being 1 of the seed of Abraham. /, spirits 

hid with Christ, reserved for the last dispensation <j y Acta 3 ; 21. 



304 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVTL 

goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this 
Priesthood, a A saviour unto my people Israel. The Lord 
hath said it. Amen. 



SECTION 87. 



Revelation and Prophecy, given through Joseph, the 
Seer, on War. Given December 25th, 1832. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, concerning the wars 
that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebel- 
lion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate 
in the death and misery of many souls. 

2. The days will come that war will be poured out 
upon all nations, "beginning at that place ; 

3. For behold, the Southern States shall be divided 
against the Northern States, and the Southern States 
will call on other nations, even the nation of Great 
Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon 
other nations, in order to defend themselves against 
other nations ; and thus & war shall be poured out upon 
all nations. 

4. And it shall come to pass, after many days, c slaves 
shall rise up against their masters, who shall be mar- 
shalled and disciplined for war : 

5. And it shall come to pass also, that the d rem- 
nants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, 
and shall become exceeding angry, and shall vex the 
Gentiles with a sore vexation ; 

6. And thus, with the sword, and by bloodshed, 
the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn ; and with 

A, Obadiah 1 : 21. Rom. 11 : 25—31. 

a, 130 : 12, 13. b, 45 : 69. c, fulfilled, in part, hi the last 

American war. d, remnants of Joseph. 



SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 305 

(amine, and plague, and earthquakes, and the thunder 
of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall 
the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, 
and indignation and chastening hand of an Almighty 
God, until the 'consumption decreed, hath made a full 
end of all nations ; 

7. That the cry of the saints, and of the tlood of 
the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the 
Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of 
their enemies. 

8. Wherefore, stand ye in #holy places, and be not 
moved, until the May of the Lord come ; for behold it 
cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen. 



SECTION 88. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga Co., Ohio, December 21th, 1832. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you who have 
assembled yourselves together to receive his will con- 
cerning you. 

2. Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the 
angels rejoice over you ; the alms of your prayers have 
come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are 
recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified : 
even them of the celestial world. 

3. Wherefore, I now send upon you another Com- 
forter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in 
your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise ; which 

e, see /and g, Sec. 1. /, 58 : 53. 63 : 28-31. I. Nep. 14 : 13. 

22 : 14. ir. Nep. 5 : 16. 28 : 10. Mor. 8 : 27, 40, 41. Ether 8 : 22—24. 
Rev. 18 : 24. 19 : 2. g, the Stakes of Zion intended to be holy places. 

45 : 32. 101 : 64. h, see e, Sec. 1. 

a, vers. 4, 5. 



30G COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVni. 

other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my 
disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John. 

4. This Comforter is the promise which I give unto 
you of eternal life ; even the glory of the celestial 
kingdom : 

5. Which glory is that of the 6 church of the first 
born ; even of God the holiest of all, through Jesus 
Christ his Son : 

6. He that ascended up on high, as also he de- 
scended below all things ; in that he comprehended all 
things, that he might be in all and through all things, 
^the light of truth ; 

7. Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. 
As also he is e in the sun, and the light of the sun, and 
the power thereof by which it was made. 

8. As also he is in the Anoon, and is the light of 
the moon, and the power thereof by which it was 
made. 

9. As also the flight of the stars, and the power 
thereof by which they were made. 

10. And the earth also, and the power thereof; 
even the earth upon which you stand. 

11. And the light which now shineth, which giveth 
you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, 
which is the A same light that quickeneth your under- 
standings ; 

12. Which light proceedeth forth from the presence 
of God to fill the 'immensity of space. 

1 3. The light which is in all things ; which giveth 
4ife to all things : which is the fc law by which all things 
are governed : even the power of God who sitteth upon 
his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in 
the midst of all things. 

b, see a, See. 1. c, 122 : S. Eph. 4 : 9, 10. d, vers. 7—13, 

40, 41, 49, 50, 0G, 67. 14 : 9. Si : 44—43. 93 : 2, 8—17, 20, 23—39. 
e, see d. f, see d. g, see d. h, see d. i, the light 

of all worlds as transmitted through space, j, the great principle of 

life. k } the law and power hy which all things are governed. 



sec. Lxxxnn.] commandments. 307 

14. Now, verily I say unto you, that through the 
redemption which is made for you is brought to pass 
the 'resurrection from the dead. 

15. And the spirit and the body is the soul of man. 

16. And the resurrection from the dead is the re- 
demption of the soul ; 

17. And the redemption of the soul is through him 
who quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is de- 
creed that the poor and the meek of the earth '"shall 
inherit it. 

18. Therefore it must needs be sanctified from all 
unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial 
glory ; 

19. For after it hath filled the measure of its crea- 
tion, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the pre- 
sence of God the Father ; 

20. That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom 
may °possess it for ever and ever ; for, for this intent 
was it made and created, and for this intent are they 
sanctified. 

21. And they who are not sanctified through the 
law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, 
must inherit ^another kingdom, even that of a terres- 
trial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. 

22. For he who is not able to abide the law of 
a ^celestial kingdom, cannot abide a celestial glory ; 

23. And he who cannot abide the law of a terres- 
trial kingdom, cannot abide a terrestrial glory : 

24. He who cannot abide the law of a Celestial 
kingdom, cannot abide a telestial glory ; therefore he 
is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he 
must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory. 

I, vers. 15—17, 20, 27—29. See m, Sec. 29. Also n. Nep. 2:8. 9:4, 
6—19, 22. Mos. 13 : 35. 15 : 8, 9, 20—27. 16 : 7—11. Alma 5 : 15. 7 : 12. 
11 : 41—45. 12 : 12— IS, 24, 25. 22 : 14. 33 : 22. 40 chap. 41 : 2—5. 42 : 
23. Hela. 14 : 15—17, 25. in. Xep. 23 : 9—13. 26 : 5. Mor. 6 : 21. 7:6. 
9: 13. Moro. 7 : 41. 10 : 34. m, seep, Sec. 38. », 101 : 65. 

130 : 7, 9. o, see p, Sec. 38. p, 43 : 18, 33. 76 : 102, 111, 112. 

q, vers. 38, 39. r, vers. 38, 39. s, vers. 38, 39. 



308 'COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII. 

25. And again, verily I say unto 3-011, the earth 
abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth 
the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the 
law. 

26. Wherefore it shall be sanctified ; yea, notwith- 
standing 4t shall die, it shall be quickened again, and 
shall abide the power by which it is quickened, 
and w the righteous shall inherit it : 

27. For notwithstanding they die, they also shall 
rise again a ^spiritual body : 

28. They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive 
the same body which was a natural body ; even ye shall 
receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory 
by which your bodies are quickened. 

29. Ye who are ^quickened by a portion of the 
celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a 
fullness ; 

30. And they who are ^quickened by a portion of 
the terrestrial glory, shall then receive of the same, 
even a fullness : 

31. And also they who are ^quickened by a portion 
of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, 
even a fullness ; 

32. And they w T ho remain shall also be quickened ; 
nevertheless they shall return again to their own place, 
to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because 
they were not willing to enjoy that which they might 
have received. 

33. For what doth it profit a man if a gift is be- 
stowed upon him, and he receiveth not the gift ? Be- 
hold he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, 
neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift. 

34. And again, verily I say unto you, that w T hich is 
governed by law is also preserved by law, and 2 per- 
fected and sanctified by the same. 

t, 101 : 25. 43 : 32. u, see p, Sec. 38. v, see m, Sec. 29. 

w, 76 : 50—70, 94—96. x, 76 : 71—80. y, 76 : 81—90, 98-112. 

*, perfected, according to the law obeyed. 



SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 309 

35. That which hreaketh a law, and abidcth not by- 
law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and 
willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, 
cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, 
nor judgment. Therefore they must 2rt remain filthy 
still. 

36. All 2& kingdoms have a law given : 

37. And there are many kingdoms; for there is 2c no 
space in the which there is no kingdom ; and there is 
no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater 
or a lesser kingdom. 

38. And unto 2rf every kingdom is given a law ; and 
unto every law there are certain bounds also and con- 
ditions. 

39. All beings who abide not in those conditions 
are not justified ; 

40. For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence ; 
wisdom receiveth wisdom ; truth embraceth truth ; 
virtue loveth virtue ; light cleaveth unto light ; mercy 
hath compassion on mercy, and claimeth her own ; 
justice continueth its course, and claimeth its own ; 
judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth 
upon the throne, and governeth and executeth all 
things ; 

41. He 2 *comprehendeth all things, and all things 
are before him, and all things are round about him : 
and he is above all things, and in all things, and is 
through all things, and is round about all things ; and 
all things are by him, and of him, even God, for ever 
and ever. 

42. And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given 
a ^law unto all things by w T hich they move in their 
times and their seasons ; 

43. And their courses are fixed ; even the courses 



2 a, i. Nep. 15 : 33—35. n. Nep. 9 : 16. Alma 7 : 21. Mor. 9 : 14. 

2b, laws of the universe. 2c, infinity of kingdoms. 2d, laws 

adapted to every kingdom. 2e, 93 : 30, 35, 36. 2/, laws of 
planetary motion. 



310 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVHI. 

of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the 
earth and all the planets ; 

44. And they give light to each other in their times 
and in their seasons, in their minutes, in their hours, 
in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their 
years : all these are 2 ^one year with God, but not with 
man. 

45. The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun 
giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light 
by night, and the stars also giveth their light, as they 
roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the 
power of God. 

46. Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that 
ye may understand ? 

47. Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man 
who hath seen any or the least of these, hath seen God 
moving in his majesty and power. 

48. I say unto you, he hath seen him ; never- 
theless, he who came unto his own was not compre- 
hended. 

49. The light 2A shineth in darkness, and the dark- 
ness comprehendeth it not ; nevertheless, the day shall 
come when 2l 'you shall comprehend even God ; being 
quickened in him and by him. 

50. Then shall ye know that ye 2 -?have seen me, 
that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, 
and that you are in me, otherwise ye could not abound. 

51. Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man 
having a field, and he 2 *sent forth his servants into the 
field to dig in the field ; 

52. And he said unto the first, go ye and labor in 
the field, and in the first hour I will come unto you, 
and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance ; 

53. And he said unto the second, go ye also into the 

2/7, Celestial time. 2 A, see h, Sec. 6. 2i, vers. 66—68. 93 : 

28. 101 : 32—34. 21 every spirit of man, in his pre-existent state, 

saw God. 2 k, each pianetary kingdom is visited by its Creator in its 

time and season. 



SEC. LXXXVI1I,] COMMANDMENTS. 311 

field, and in the second hour I will visit you with tho 
joy of my countenance; 

54. And also unto the third saying, I will visit 
you ; 

55. And unto the fourth, and so on unto the 
twelfth. 

56. And the lord of the field went unto the first in 
the first hour, and tarried with him all that hour, and 
lie was made glad with the light of the countenance of 
his lord ; 

57. And then he withdrew from the first that he 
might visit the second also, and the third, and the 
fourth, and so on unto the twelfth ; 

58. And thus they all received the light of the 
countenance of their lord ; every man in his hour, and 
in his time, and in his season ; 

59. Beginning at the first, and so on unto the last, 
and from the last unto the first, and from the first unto 
the last ; 

60. Every man in his own order, until his hour was 
finished, even according as his lord had commanded 
him, that his lord might be glorified in him, and he in 
him, that they all might be glorified. 

61. Therefore, unto this parable will I liken 2 *all 
these kingdoms, and the inhabitants thereof; every 
kingdom in its hour, and in its time, and in its season ; 
even according to the decree which God hath made. 

62. And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I 
leave these sayings with you, to ponder in your hearts 
with this commandment w r hich I give unto you, that ye 
shall call upon me w r hile I am near ; 

63. Draw near unto me and I wall draw near unto 
you : seek me diligently and ye shall find me ; 2 ™ask 
and ye shall receive ; knock and it shall be opened unto 
you; _ 

2 1, the inhabitants of each planet blessed with the presence and visits of 
their Creator. 2 w, sec c, Sec 1. 



312 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIH. 

64. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it 
shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you ; 

65. And if ye ask anything that is not expedient 
for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation. 

66. Behold, that which you hear is as the 2n voice 
of one crying in the wilderness — in the wilderness, be- 
cause you cannot see him — my voice, because my voice 
is Spirit ; my Spirit is truth ; truth abideth and hath 
no end ; and if it be in you it shall abound. 

67. And if your eye be single to my glory, your 
whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall 
be no 2o darkness in you, and that body which is filled 
with light comprehendeth all things. 

68. Therefore sanctify yourselves that your minds 
become single to God, and the days will come that you 
shall 2 ^see him ; for he will unvail his face unto you, 
and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, 
and according to his own will. 

69. Remember the great and last promise which I 
have made unto you ; cast away your idle thoughts and 
your 2 ?excess of laughter far from you ; 

70. Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and call 
a 2r solemn assembly, even of those who are the first 
laborers in this last kingdom ; 

71. And let those whom they have warned in their 
traveling, call on the Lord, and ponder the warning 
in their hearts which they have received for a little 
season. 

72. Behold, and lo ! I will take care of your flocks, 
and will raise up elders and send unto them. 

73. Behold, I will hasten my work in its time ; 

74. And I give unto you, who are the first laborers 
in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble 
yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and pre- 



2 n, 5: 14. He who beholds God is no longer in the wilderness. 
2o, ver. 49. 2p, see o, Sec. 50. 2c, ver. 121. 69 : 15. 

2r, vers. 74-82, 117. 95 : 7. 108 : 4. 109 : 6, 10. 



BBC, LXXXVI1I.] COMMANDMENTS. 313 

pare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves ; yea, purify 
your hearts, and -"'cleanse your hands and your feet 
before me, that I may make you clean ; 

75. That I may testify unto your Father, and your 
God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of 
this wicked generation : that I may fulfill this promise, 
this great and last promise, which I have made unto 
you, when I will. 

76. Also, I give unto you a commandment, that ye 
shall continue in 2 Sprayer and fasting from this time 
forth. 

77. And I give unto you a commandment, that 
you shall teach one another the doctrine of the king- 
dom ; 

78. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend 
you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in 
theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the 
gospel, in 2w all things that pertain unto the kingdom 
of God, that are expedient for you to understand ; 

79. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and 
under the earth ; things which have been, things which 
are, things which must shortly come to pass ; things 
which are at home, things which are abroad ; the wars 
and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments 
which are on the land, and a knowledge also of coun- 
tries and of kingdoms, 

80. That ye may be prepared in all things when I 
shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto 
I have called you, and the mission with which I have 
commissioned you. 

81. Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the 
people, and it becometh every man who hath been 
warned, to warn his neighbor. 

82. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and 
their sins are upon their own heads. 

2«, vers. 138—141. 2t, see c, Sec. 4. Mos. 27 : 22, 23. 6:6. 8 : 

26. 10 : 7. 17 : 3, 9. 28 : 6. 30 : 2. Hela. 3 : 35. in. Nep. 13 : 16—18. 
27 : 1. iv. Nep. 1 : 12. Moro. 6:5. 2 u, 11 : 22. 90 : 15. 



314 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIU, 

83. He that seeketh me early shall find me, and 
shall not be forsaken. 

84. Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that 
you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth 
among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the 
mouth of the Lord shall name, to 2r bind up the law 
and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints 
for the hour of judgment which is to come ; 

85. That their souls may escape the wrath of God, 
the 2 "'desolation of abomination which awaits the 
wicked, both in this world and in the world to come. 
Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first 
elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the 
Lord shall call them, for their time is not yet come ; 
their garments are not clean from the blood of this 
generation. 

86. Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made 
free ; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands 
be clean, until the Lord come ; 

87. For not many days hence and the earth shall 
tremble and 2 *reel to and fro as a drunken man, and 
the sun shall 2 ^hide his face, and shall refuse to give 
light, and the moon shall be bathed in blood, and the 
stars shall become exceeding angry, and shall cast 
themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig 
tree. 

88. And after your testimony cometh wrath and 
indignation upon the people ; 

89. For after your testimony cometh the 2 *testimony 
of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst 
of her, and men shall fall upon the ground, and shall 
not be able to stand. 

90. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of 
thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice 
of tempests, and the voice of the weaves of the sea, 
heaving themselves beyond their bounds. 

2 v, see rf, Sec. 1. 2 w, 84 : 114, 117. 2 x, see x, Sec. 45. 

2 y, see n, Sec. 29. 2 z, see x, Sec. 45. 



8EC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 315 

91. And all things shall be in commotion; and 
surely, men's hearts shall fail them ; for fear shall come 
upon all people ; 

92. And angels shall fly through the midst of 
heaven, crying with a 3a loud voice, sounding the trump 
of God, saying, Prepare ye, prepare ye, inhabitants 
of the earth ; for the judgment of our God is come : 
behold, and lo ! the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to 
meet him. 

93. And immediately there shall appear a 86 great 
sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together. 

94. And another angel shall sound his trump, say- 
ing, That 3c great church, the mother of abominations, 
that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath 
of her fornication, that persecuteth the saints of God, 
that shed their blood ; her who sitteth upon many 
waters, and upon the islands of the sea ; behold, she 
is the tares of the earth, she is bound in bundles, her 
bands are made strong, no man can loose them ; there- 
fore, she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound 
his trump both long and loud, and all nations shall 
hear it. 

95. And there shall be 8rf silence in heaven for the 
space of half an hour, and immediately after shall the 
curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded 
after it is rolled up, and the 3 *face of the Lord shall 
be unvailed ; 

96. And the 3 ^saints that are upon the earth, who 
are alive, shall be quickened, and be caught up to meet 
him. 

97. And they who have 3 ^slept in their graves shall 
come forth ; for their graves shall be opened, and they 
also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of the 
pillar of heaven : 



3 a, 43 : 18, 25. Sec. 13. 20 : 6. Sec. 27. 128 : 19—21. 133 : 17. 

Testimony of three witnesses. 3 &, Luke 21 : 25—27. 3 c, 29 : 21. 

3d, 38 : 12. Rev. 8:1. 3 e, see e, Sec. 1. 3/, 84 : 100. 76 : 102. 
3 £7, see I, Sec. 29. 



316 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII. 

98. They are Christ's, the first fruits : they who 
shall descend with him first, aud they who are on the 
earth and in their graves, who are first caught up to 
meet him : and all this by the voice of the sounding of 
the trump of the angel of God. 

99. And after this another angel shall sound, which 
is the second trump ; and then cometh the redemption 
of those who are Christ's at his coming ; who have re- 
ceived their 3A part in that prison which is prepared for 
them, that they might receive the gospel, and be judged 
according to men in the flesh. 

100. And again, another trump shall sound, which 
is the third trump ; and then cometh the ^spirits of 
men who are to be judged, and are found under con- 
demnation : 

101. And these are the rest of the dead, and they 
live not again until the thousand years are ended, 
neither again, until the end of the earth. 

102. And another trump shall sound, which is the 
fourth trump, saying, There are found among those who 
are to remain until that great and last day, even the 
end, who shall remain 3 ->filthy still. 

103. And another trump shall sound, which is the 
fifth trump, which is the fifth angel who committeth 
the everlasting gospel, — flying through the midst of 
heaven, unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people ; 

104. And this shall be the sound of his trump, 
saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and 
that are under the earth ; for every ear shall hear it, 
and 3 *every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall 
confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, say- 
ing, Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon 
the throne, for ever and ever : for the hour of his 
judgment is come. 

105. And again, another angel shall sound his 



3h, see 2x, Sec. 76. 3i, 76 : 81—85, 102—107. Mat. 25 : 31—46. 

3.7, The Sons of Perdition. 3 k, Isa. 45 : 23. Rom. 14 : 11. PhiL 2 : 

10, 11. 



SEC. LXXXVITI.] COMMANDMENTS. 317 

tramp, which is the sixth angel, saying, 3 'She is fallen 
who made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of 
her fornication : she is fallen ! is fallen ! 

106. And again, another angel shall sound his 
trump, which is the seventh angel, saying, It is finished ! 
it is finished ! the Lamb of God hath overcome 
and 3 "'trodden the wine-press alone ; even the wine- 
press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God ; 

107. And then shall the angels be crowned with 
the glory of his might, and the saints shall be filled 
with his glory, and 3 "receive their inheritance and be 
made 3o equal with him. 

108. And then shall the first angel again sound his 
trump in the ears of all living, and reveal the secret 
acts of men, and the mighty works of God in the first 
thousandth year. 

109. And then shall the second angel sound his 
trump, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the 
thoughts and intents of their hearts, and the mighty 
works of God in the second thousandth year : 

110. And so on, until the seventh angel shall sound 
his trump : and he shall stand forth upon the land and 
upon the sea, and swear in the name of him who 
sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no 
longer ; and Satan shall be Abound, that old serpent, 
who is called the devil, and shall not be loosed for the 
space of a thousand years. 

111. And then he shall be loosed for a little season, 
that he may gather together his armies : 

112. And 3 ?Michael, the seventh angel, even the 
archangel, shall gather together his armies, even the 
hosts of heaven. 

113. And the devil shall gather together his armies ; 
even the hosts of hell, and shall come up to battle 
against Michael and his armies : 

3 1 } ver. 94, see », Sec. 1. 3 m, 133 : 46—51. Joel 3 : 9—17. Rev. 
14 : 14—20. 3 m, see b, Sec. 25. 3o, see Zg, Sec. 70. Zp, see 
2 1, Sec. 45. 3 </, see k, Sec. 27. 



S18 COVENANTS AND fsEC. LXXXVI1I. 

114. And then comcth the battle of the great 
God ; and the devil and his armies shall be cast away 
into their own place, that they shall not have power 
over the saints any more at all ; 

115. For Michael shall fight their battles, and shall 
overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sit- 
teth upon the throne, even the Lamb. 

116. This is the glory of God, and the sanctified ; 
and they shall not any more see death. 

117. Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, 
call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you ; 

118. And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently 
and teach one another words of wisdom ; yea, seek ye 
out of the 3r best books words of wisdom : seek learn- 
ing even by study, and also by faith. 

119. Organize yourselves, prepare every needful 
thing, and 3 *establish a house, even a house of prayer, 
a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learn- 
ing, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God ; 

120. That your incomings may be in the name of 
the Lord ; that your outgoings may be in the name of 
the Lord ; that all your salutations may be in the 
name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most 
High. 

121. Therefore, cease from all your light speeches ; 
from all 3 daughter ; from all your lustful desires ; from 
all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your 
wicked doings. 

122. Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let 
not all be spokesmen at once ; but let one speak at a 
time, and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all 
have spoken, that all may be edified of all, and that 
every man may have an equal privilege. 

123. See that ye love one another ; cease to be 
covetous, learn to impart one to another as the gospel 
requires ; 

8 r, see c, Sec. 55. 3 s, 95 : 3—17. 97 : 10—17. Sec. 109. 3 1, ver. 

69. 59 : 15. 



SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 319 

124. Cease to be idle ; cease to be unclean ; cease 
to find fault one with another ; cease to sleep longer 
than is needful ; retire to thy bed early, that ye may 
not be weary ; arise early, that your bodies and your 
minds may be invigorated ; 

125. And above all things, clothe yourselves with 
the bonds of charity, as with a mantle, which is the 
bond of perfectness and peace ; 

126. Pray always, that ye may not faint until I 
come : behold, and lo, I will 3 "come quickly, and receive 
you unto myself. Amen. 

127. And again, the order of the house prepared for 
the presidency of the school of the prophets, established 
for their instruction in all things that are expedient 
for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in 
other words, those who are called to the ministry in the 
church, beginning at the High Priests, even down to 
the deacons : 

128. And this shall be the order of the house of 
the presidency of the school : He that is appointed to 
be president, or teacher, shall be found standing in his 
place, in the house which shall be prepared for him. 

129. Therefore he shall be first in the house of 
God, in a place that the congregation in the house may 
hear his words carefully and distinctly, not with loud 
speech. 

130. And when he cometh into the house of God, 
(for he should be first in the house ; behold, this is 
beautiful, that he may be an example). 

131. Let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees 
before God, in token or remembrance of the 3 ^everlast- 
ing covenant, 

132. And when any shall come in after him, let the 
teacher arise, and, with uplifted hands to heaven ; yea, 
even directly, salute his brother or brethren with these 
words : 

3 u, see e } Sec. 1. 3 v, see k } Sec. 1. 



320 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII. 

133. Art thou a brother or brethren ? I salute you 
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or 
remembrance of the 3 ^everlasting covenant, in which 
covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination 
that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your 
friend and brother through the grace of God, in the 
bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of 
God blameless, in thanksgiving, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

134. And he that is found unworthy of this saluta- 
tion, shall not have place among you : for ye shall not 
suffer that mine house shall be polluted by him. 

135. And he that cometh in and is faithful before 
me, and is a brother, or if they be brethren, they shall 
salute the president or teacher with uplifted hands to 
heaven, with this same prayer and covenant, or by say- 
ing Amen, in token of the same. 

136. Behold, verily, I say unto you, this is a sample 
unto you for a salutation to one another in the house 
of God, in the 3 ^school of the prophets. 

137. And ye are called to do this by prayer and 
thanksgiving as the Spirit shall give utterance in all 
your doings in the house of the Lord, in the school of 
the prophets, that it may become a sanctuary, a taber- 
nacle of the Holy Spirit to your edification. 

138. And ye shall not receive any among you into 
this school save he is clean from the blood of this 
generation : 

139. And he shall be received by the ordinance of 
the 3 ^ washing of feet, for unto this end was the ordi- 
nance of the washing of feet instituted. 

140. And again, the ordinance of washing feet is to 
be administered by the President, or Presiding elder of 
the church. 

141. It is to be commenced with prayer, and after 

Siv, see k, Sec. 1. 3 x, vers. 137—141. 90 : 7, 13. 95 :. 10, 17. 
97 : 5, 0. 3 y t vers. 74, 75, 140, 141. 



SEC. LXXXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 321 

partaking of bread and wine, he is to gird himself ac- 
cording to the pattern given in the thirteenth chapter 
of John's testimony concerning me. Amen. 



SECTION 89. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, February 21th, 1833. 

1. A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the Council 
of High Priests, assembled in. Kirtland, and church ; 
and also the saints in Zion. 

2. To be sent greeting — not by commandment or 
constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, 
showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal 
salvation of all saints in the last days. 

3. Given for a principle with "promise, adapted to 
the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, 
who are or can be called saints. 

4. Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, in 
consequence of evils and designs which do and will 
exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I 
have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you 
this word of wisdom by revelation, 

5. That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or 
strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither 
meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling 
yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before 
him. 

6. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, ^pure wine 
of the grape of the vine, of your own make. 

7. And, again, c strong drinks are not for the belly, 
but for the washing of your bodies. 

a, vers. 13—21. I, 27 : 1- 14. c, 27 : 3, 4. 



322 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIX. 

8. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither 
for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb 
for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment 
and skill. 

9. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or 
belly. 

10. And again, verily I say unto you, d all whole- 
some herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, 
nature, and use of man. 

11. Every herb in the season thereof, and every 
fruit in the season thereof ; all these to be used witn 
prudence and thanksgiving. 

12. Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of 
the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man 
with thanksgiving ; nevertheless they are to be used 
sparingly ; 

13. And it is pleasing unto me that they should 
not be used e only in times of winter, or of cold, or 
famine. 

14. All grain is ordained for the use of man and of 
beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for 
the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all 
wild animals that run or creep on the earth ; 

15. And these hath God made for the use of man 
only in -^ times of famine and excess of hunger. 

16. All grain is good for the food of man, as also 
the fruit of the vine, that which yieldeth fruit, whether 
in the ground or above the ground. 

17. Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the 
ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and 
for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for 
all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other 
grain. 

18. And all saints who remember to keep and do 
these sayings, w r alking in obedience to the command- 
ed, 59 : 17—20, Alma, 46 : 40, e % ver. 15. 59 ; 16—20. /, ver. 

13, 5$: 16-20. 



SEC. XC.] COMMANDMENTS. 323 

ments, shall ^receive health in their navel, and marrow 
to their bones, 

19. And shall A rmd wisdom and great treasures of 
knowledge, even hidden treasures ; 

SO. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk 
and not faint ; 

21. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, 
that the destroying angel ^shall pass by them, as the 
children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen, 



SECTION 90. 



Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., given in Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, March 8th, 1833. 

1. Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily I say unto 
you my son, thy sins are forgiven thee, according to 
thy petition, for thy prayers and the prayers of thy 
brethren, have come up into my ears ; 

2. Therefore thou art blessed from henceforth 
that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you ; 
which a kingdom is coming forth for the last time. 

3. Verily, I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom 
shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the 
world, neither in the world to come ; 

4. Nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be 
given to another ; yea, 6 even unto the church. 

5. And all they who receive the oracles of God, let 
them beware how they hold them, lest they are accounted 
as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation 
thereby ; and stumble and fall, when the storms de- 

g, Prov. 3 : 8. h, 76 ; 5-10, i, Exocl, 12 *, 23, 29, 

a, see x, Sec. 35. o, 124 ; 91— 96 f 



324 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XC. 

scend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and 
beat upon their house. 

6. And again, verily I say unto thy brethren, 
Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, their sins 
are forgiven them also, and they are accounted as 
equal with thee in holding the keys of this last 
kingdom ; 

7. As also through your administration the keys of 
the ^school of the prophets, which I have commanded 
to be organized, 

8. That thereby they may be perfected in their 
ministry for the salvation of Zion, and of the nations 
of Israel, and of the Gentiles, as many as will believe, 

9. That through your administration they may 
receive the word, and through their administration, the 
word may go forth unto the ends of the earth, d unto 
the Gentiles first, and then, behold, and lo, e they shall 
turn unto the Jews ; 

10. And then cometh the day when the arm of the 
Lord shall be ^revealed in power in convincing the 
nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph, of 
the gospel of their salvation. 

11. For it shall come to pass in that day, that every 
man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own 
tongue, and in his own language, through those who 
are ordained unto this power, by the administration of 
the ^Comforter, shed forth upon them, for the revela- 
tion of Jesus Christ. 

12. And now, verily I say unto you, I give unto 
you a commandment, that you continue in the ministry 
and Presidency, 

13. And when you have finished the ^translation 
of the prophets, you shall from thenceforth preside 
over the affairs of the church and the school ; 

14. And from time to time, as shall be manifest by 

c. see 3 x, Sec. S3. d, see o, Sec. 18. e, see o, Sec. IS. /, 42 : 

58—00. 43 : 23—27. 5S : 63. 64. S8 : 84, 87—92. 133 : 37—60, 68-74. 
See c, Sec. 53. g, see h, Sec. 42. h, the Prophets of the Old Testament. 



SEC. XT.] COMMANDMENTS. 325 

the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mys- 
teries of the kingdom, 

15. And set in order the churches, and study and 
learn, and become acquainted with 'all good books, and 
with languages, tongues, and people. 

16. And this shall be your business and mission in 
all your lives, to preside in council, and set in order all 
the affairs of this church and kingdom. 

17. Be not ashamed, neither confounded ; but be 
admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for 
it bringeth a snare upon your souls. 

18. Set in order your houses ; keep slothfulness 
and uncleanness far from you. 

19. Now, verily I say unto you, let there be a place 
provided as soon as it is possible, for the family of thy 
counselor and scribe, even Frederick G. Williams : 

20. And let mine aged servant Joseph Smith, sen., 
continue with his family upon the place where he now 
lives, and let it not be sold until the mouth of the 
Lord shall name. 

21. And let my counselor, even Sidney Rigdon, 
remain where he now resides, until the mouth of the 
Lord shall name. 

22. And let the bishop search diligently to obtain an 
agent, and let it be a man who has got riches in store 
— a man of God, and of strong faith ; 

23. That thereby he may be enabled to discharge 
every debt ; that the storehouse of the Lord may not 
be brought into disrepute before the eyes of the people. 

24. Search diligently, pray always, and be believ- 
ing, and all things shall work together for your good, 
if ye walk unpnghtly and remember the covenant 
wherewith ye have covenanted one with another. 

25. Let your families be small, especially mine aged 
servant Joseph Smith, sen., as pertaining to those who 
do not belong to your families ; 

i, see c, Sec. 55. 



326 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XO. 

26. That those things that are provided for you, to 
bring to pass my work, are not taken from you and 
given to those that are not worthy, 

27. And thereby you are hindered in accomplishing 
those things which I have commanded you. 

28. And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will that 
my handmaid, Vienna Jaques, should receive money to 
bear her expenses, and go up unto the land of Zion ; 

29. And the residue of the money may be conse- 
crated unto me, and she be rewarded in mine own due 
time. 

30. Verily I say unto you, that it is meet in mine 
eyes that she should go up unto the land of Zion, and 
receive an inheritance from the hand of the bishop, 

31. That she may settle down in peace inasmuch as 
she is faithful, and not be idle in her days from thence- 
forth. 

32. And behold, verily I say unto you, that ye shall 
write this commandment, and say unto your brethren 
in Zion, in love greeting, that I have called you also to 
preside over Zion in mine own due time : 

33. Therefore, let them cease wearying me concern- 
ing this matter. 

34. Behold, I say unto you that your brethren in 
Zion begin to repent, and the angels rejoice over them; 

35. Nevertheless, I am not well pleased with many 
things, and I am not well pleased with my servant 
William E. M'Lellin, neither with my servant Sidney 
Gilbert ; and the bishop also, and others have many 
things to repent of ; 

36. But verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will 
contend with Zion, and plead with her strong ones, 
and ^chasten her until she overcomes and is clean be- 
fore me : 

37. For she shall not be removed out of her place. 
I the Lord, have spoken it. Amen. 

j, 97 ; 26. 



SEC. XCI., XCII.] COMMANDMENTS. 327 



SECTION 91. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, March 9th, 1833. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning 
the Apocrypha, there are many things contained 
therein that are true, and it is mostly translated cor-) 
rectly ; 

2. There are many things contained therein that 
are not true, which are interpolations hy the hands 
of men. 

3. Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that 
the Apocrypha should be translated. 

4. Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, 
for the Spirit manifesteth truth ; 

5. And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit, shall 
obtain benefit therefrom ; 

6. And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot 
be benefited, therefore it is not needful that it should 
be translated. Amen. 



SECTION 92. 



Revelation given to Enoch {Joseph Smith, jr.) on the 
order of the church for the benefit of the poor. 
Given to the Saints in Kirtland, March 15th, 1833. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the 
a united order, organized agreeable to the commandment 
previously given, a revelation and commandment con- 

a, 78 : 3-7, 11—15. 82 : 11, 15-21. 85 : 1-6, 9—12. 



328 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCIII. 

cerning my servant Shederlaomach, (Frederick G. Wil- 
liams,) that ye shall receive him into the order. What 
I say unto one, I say unto all. 

2. And again, I say unto you, my servant Sheder- 
laomach, (Frederick G. Williams,) you shall be a lively 
member in this order, and inasmuch as you aro faithful 
in keeping all former commandments, you shall be 
blessed for ever. Amen. 



SECTION 93. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtla?id, 
Geauga County, Ohio, May 6th, 1833. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass 
that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh 
unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my 
voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall a see my 
face and know that I am, 

2. And that I am the true light that 6 lighteth 
every man that cometh into the world ; 

3. And that I am c in the Father, and the Father ^in 
me, and the Father and I are one : 

4. The Father because he gave me of his fullness, 
and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh 
my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men. 

5. I was in the world and received of my Father, 
and the e works of him were plainly manifest ; 

6. And John saw and bore record of the fullness of 
my glory, and the fullness of John's record is hereafter 
to be revealed : 

a, see o, Sec. 50. 6, 84 : 45—48. c, 50 : 43. Sec. v, on Faith, 

rf, 50 : 43. Sec. v, on Faith. e, John 5 : 36. 10 : 25. 12 : 47—50. 

14 : 10—12. 



sec. xcrri.] commandments. 329 

7. And he bore record, saying, I saw his glory that 
he Avas in the beginning before the world was ; 

8. Therefore in the beginning the Word was, for ho 
was the Word, even the messenger of salvation, 

9. The light and the Redeemer of the world ; the 
Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because tho 
world was made by him, and in him was the life of 
men and the light of men. 

10. The worlds were made by him : men were made 
by him : all things were made by him, and through 
him, and of him. 

11. And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, 
as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of 
grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came 
and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. 

12. And I, John, saw that he received not of the 
^fullness at the first, but received grace for grace : 

13. And he received not of the fullness at first, but 
continued from grace to grace, until he received a full- 
ness ; 

14. And thus he was called the Son of God, be- 
cause he received not of the fullness at the first. 

15. And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens 
were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him 
in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there 
came a voice out of heaven saying, This is my beloved 
Son. 

16. And I, John, bear record that he received a 
fullness of the glory of the Father ; 

17. And he received A all power, both in heaven 
and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with 
him, for he dwelt in him. 

18. And it shall come to pass, that if you are 
faithful you shall receive the fullness of the record of 
John. 

/, vers. 8—10, 21. 76 : 13, 24. John 1 : 1—3, 10. g, vers. 13— 

17, 26. Luke 2 : 52. ir. Nep. 9 : 20. Alma 7 : 13. 13 : 7. 18 : 32. 20 : 35. 
Hela. 9 ; 41. m. Nep. 27 : 20. Mor. 8 ; 17. Moro. 7 : 22. h, Mat. 28 : 18. 



330 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCITI. 

19. I give unto you these sayings that ye may 
understand and know how to worship, and know what 
you worship, that you may come unto the Father in 
my name, and in due time receive of his fullness, 

20. For if you keep my commandments you shall 
receive of his 'fullness, and be glorified in me as I am 
in the Father ; therefore, I say unto you, you shall re- 
ceive grace for grace. 

21. And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the 
beginning with the Father, and am the ^first-born ; 

22. And all those who are begotten through me are 
partakers of the glory of the same, and are the ^church 
of the first-born. 

23. Ye were also in the beginning with the Father ; 
that which is ^Spirit, even the Spirit of truth, 

24. And truth is knowledge of things as they are, 
and as they were, and as they are to come ; 

25. And whatsoever is more or less than this, is the 
spirit of that wicked one who w r as a liar from the be- 
ginning. 

26. The Spirit of truth is of God. I ™am the Spirit 
of truth, and John bore record of me, saying — He re- 
ceived a fullness of truth, yea, even of all truth, 

27. And no man receiveth a fullness unless he 
keepeth his commandments. 

28. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth 
truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and 7l know- 
eth all things. 

29. Man was also in the beginning with God. 
Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or 
made, neither indeed can be. 

30. All truth is independent in that sphere in which 
God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence 
also, otherwise there is no existence. 

i, vers. 26—28. j, Colos. 1 : 16—18. k, see a, Sec. 1. Z, vers. 

24—38. m, vers. 9, 11, 23. n, 88 : 49, 67. See g. o, vers. 

23, 24, 32—38. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 6, 35. Job, 38 : 7. Eccles. 12 : 7. 
Heb. 12 : 9. Mos. 7 : 27. Alma 18: 34. Ether 3 : 15. 



sec. xcrn.] commandments. 331 

31. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is 
the condemnation of man, because that which was from 
the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they 
receive not the light. 

32. And every man whose spirit receiveth not tho 
light is under condemnation, 

33. For ^man is spirit. The elements are ^eternal, 
and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receiveth 
a fullness of joy ; 

3-4. And when separated, man cannot receive a full- 
ness of joy. 

35. The elements are the ^tabernacle of God ; yea, 
man is the tabernacle of God, *even temples ; and 
whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that 
temple. 

36. The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other 
words, light and truth ; 

37. Light and truth forsaketh that evil one. 

38. Every spirit of man was innocent in the be- 
ginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall, 
men became again in their w infant state, innocent be- 
fore God. 

39. And that wicked one cometh and taketh away 
light and truth, through disobedience, from the chil- 
dren of men, and because of the tradition of their 
fathers. 

40. But I have commanded you to bring up your 
children in light and truth ; 

41. But verily I say unto you, my servant Frede- 
rick G. Williams, you have continued under this con- 
demnation ; 

42. You have not taught your children light and 
truth, according to the commandments, and that wicked 
one hath pow r er, as yet, over you, and this is the cause 
of your affliction. 

p, ver. 23, 77 : 2. q, vers. 29—32. 132 : 20. r, 88 : 12, 41, 45. 

8, i. Cor. 3 : 10, 17. : 19. n. Cor. G : 10. t, 29 : 46, 47. Mos. 3 : 16— 

19. 15 ; 25. Moro. 8 : 8, 12, 22. u, see t. 



332 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCIIL 

43. And now a commandment I give unto you, if 
you will be delivered, you shall set in order your own 
house, for there are many things that are not right in 
your house. 

44. Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, 
that in some things he hath not kept the command- 
ments concerning his children ; therefore, firstly set in 
order thy house. 

45. Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, 
jun., or, in other words, I will call you friends, for you 
are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance 
with me. 

46. I called you servants for the world's sake, and 
ye are their servants for my sake ; 

47. And now, verily, I say unto Joseph Smith, jun., 
you have not kept the commandments, and must needs 
stand rebuked before the Lord. 

48. Your family must needs repent and forsake 
some things, and give more earnest heed unto your 
sayings, or be removed out of their place. 

49. What I say unto one I say unto all ; *pray 
always lest that wicked one have power in you, and 
remove you out of your place. 

50. My servant Newel K. Whitney, also a bishop 
of my church, hath need to be chastened and set in 
order his family, and see that they are more diligent 
and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall 
be removed out of their place. 

51. Now, I say unto you, my friends, let my servant 
Sidney Rigdon go his journey, and make haste, and 
also proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the 
gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance, and 
by your prayer of faith with one consent, I will uphold 
him. 

52. And let my servant Joseph Smith, jun., and 
Frederick G. Williams, make haste also, and it shall 

v } see c, Sec. 4. 



. XCIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 333 

be given them even according to the prayer of faith, 
and inasmuch as yon keep my sayings, yon shall not 
be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come. 
53. And verily, I say nnto you, that it is my will 
that you should hasten to "'translate my scriptures, 
and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries, 
and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this 
for the salvation of Zion. Amen. 



SECTION 94. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, May 6th, 1833. 

1. And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, a 
commandment I give unto you, that ye shall commence 
a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and 
foundation of the city of the Stake of Zion, here in 
the land of Kirtland, beginning at my house ; 

2. And behold it must be done according to the 
pattern which I have given unto you. 

3. And let the first lot on the south, be consecrated 
unto me for the building of an house for the Pre- 
sidency, for the work of the Presidency, in obtaining 
revelations ; and for the w r ork of the ministry of the 
Presidency, in all things pertaining to the church and 
kingdom. 

4. Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built fifty- 
five by sixty-five feet in the width thereof and in the 
length thereof, in the inner court ; 

5. And there shall be a lower court and a higher 
court, according to the pattern which shall be given 
unto you hereafter ; 

6. And it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from 

w, the scriptures given by revelation. 



334 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCIV. 

the foundation thereof, according to the order of the 
Priesthood, according to the pattern which shall be 
given unto you hereafter : 

7. And it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord 
for the work of the Presidency. 

8. And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to 
come in unto it ; and my glory shall be there, and my 
presence shall be there ; 

9. But if there shall come into it any unclean thing, 
my glory shall not be there ; and my presence shall 
not come into it. 

10. And again, verily I say unto you, the second 
lot on the south shall be dedicated unto me for the 
building of an house unto me, for the work of the 
printing of the translation of my scriptures, and all 
things whatsoever I shall command you ; 

11. And it shall be fifty-five by sixty-five feet in 
the width thereof and the length thereof, in the inner 
court ; and there shall be a lower and a higher court ; 

12. And this house shall be wholly dedicated unto 
the Lord from the foundation thereof, for the work of 
the printing, in all things whatsoever I shall command 
you, to be holy, undefiled, according to the pattern in 
all things, as it shall be given unto you. 

13. And on the third lot shall my servant Hyrum 
Smith receive his inheritance. 

14. And on the first and second lots on the north 
shall my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Jared Carter 
receive an inheritance, 

15. That they may do the work which I have ap- 
pointed unto them, to be a committee to build mine 
houses, according to the commandment, which I, the 
Lord God, have given unto you. i 

16. These two houses are not to be built until I give 
unto you a commandment concerning them. 

17. And now I give unto you no more at this time, 
Awm, 



SEC. 8 COMMANDMENTS. 335 



SECTION 95. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Ivirtlecnd, 
Geauga County, Ohio, June 1st, 1833. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, whom I 
love, and whom I love I also chasten, that their sins 
may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a 
way for their deliverance in all things out of tempta- 
tion, and I have loved you, 

2. Wherefore ye must needs be chastened and stand 
rebuked before my face, 

3. For ye have sinned against me a very grievous 
sin, in that ye have not considered the great command- 
ment in all things, that I have given unto you concern- 
ing the "building of mine house, 

4. For the preparation wherewith I design to pre- 
pare mine apostles to ^rune my vineyard for the last 
time, that I may bring to pass my c strange act, that I 
may pour out my Spirit upon d all flesh. 

5. But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are 
many who have been ordained among you, whom I have 
called, but e few of them are chosen ; 

6. They who are not chosen have sinned a very 
grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at 
noon-day ; 

7. And for this cause I gave unto you a command- 
ment that you should call your ^solemn assembly, that 
your fastings and your mourning might come up into 
the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, which is by interpre- 
tation, the Creator of the first day, the beginning and 
the end. 

8. Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a 
commandment, that you should build an house, in the 

a, 88 : 110. b, see k, Sec. 24. c, 101 : 95. Isa. 28 : 21. 
d, Joel, 2 : 2 2 . Acts, 2 : 17. c, 10D ; 35, 3G, 121 ; 34—40. /, Sep 



336 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCV. 

which house I design to ^endow those whom I have 
chosen with power from on high ; 

9. For this is the ^promise of the Father unto you ; 
therefore I commanded you to tarry, even as mine 
apostles at Jerusalem ; 

10. Nevertheless my servants sinned a very grievous 
sin, and contentions arose in the ^school of the prophets, 
which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord ; 
therefore I sent them forth to be chastened. 

11. Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you 
should build an house. If you keep my commandments, 
you shall have power to build it ; 

12. If you keep not my commandments, the love of 
the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you 
shall walk in darkness. 

13. Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord ; 
let the house be built, not after the manner of the 
world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live after 
the manner of the world ; 

14. Therefore let it be built after the manner which 
I shall show unto ^three of you, whom ye shall appoint 
and ordain unto this power. 

15. And the size thereof shall be fifty and five feet 
in width, and let it be sixty-five feet in length, in the 
inner court thereof ; 

16. And let the lower part of the inner court be 
dedicated unto me for your sacrament offering, and 
for your preaching, and your fasting, and your praying, 
and the offering up your most holy desires unto me, 
saith your Lord. 

17. And let the higher part of the inner court be 
dedicated unto me, for the ^school of mine apostles, 
saith Son Ahman ; or, in other words, Alphus ; or, in 
other words, Omegus ; even Jesus Christ your Lord. 
Amen. 

(7, see x, Sec. 38. h, see x, Sec. 38. i, see 3 x, Sec. 88. 

j, Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter, See 94: 13—15, 
k, sco 3 x, Sec. 88. 



SEC. xcvl] commandments. 337 



SECTION 96. 

Revelation to Enoch {Joseph Smith, jr.,) showing the 
order of the city or Stake of Zion, Shinehah, {Kirt- 
' la fid,) given at Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, 
June tth, 1833. 

1. Behold, I say unto you, Here is wisdom, whereby 
ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it 
is expedient in me that this Stake that I have set for 
the strength of Zion should be made strong ; 

2. Therefore let my servant Ahashdah (Newel K. 
Whitney) take charge of the place which is named 
among you, upon which I design to build mine holy 
house ; 

3. And again, let it be divided in lots according to 
wisdom, for the benefit of those who seek inheritances, 
as it shall be determined in council among you. 

4. Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, 
and that portion that is necessary to benefit "mine 
order, for the purpose of bringing forth my word to 
the children of men ; 

5. For behold, verily I say unto you, this is the 
most expedient in me, that my word should go forth 
unto the children of men, for the purpose of subduing 
the hearts of the children of men for your good. Even 
so. Amen. 

6. And again, verily I say unto you, it is wisdom 
and expedient in me, that my servant Zombre (John 
Johnson) whose offering I have accepted, &nd whose 
prayers I have heard, unto whom I give a promise of 
eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments 
from henceforth, 

7. For he is a descendant of Seth, (Joseph,) and a. 

a, see a, Sec. 92. 



338 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVII. 

J>artaker of tho blessings of the promise made unto his 
athers. 

8. Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that 
he should become a member of the order, that he may 
assist in bringing forth my word unto the children of 
men; 

9. Therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing, 
and he shall seek diligently to take away incumbrances 
that are upon the house named among you, that he 
may dwell therein. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 97. 



Revelation given through Joseph, tlie Seer, at Kirtlcmd, 
Geauga County, Ohio, August 2nd, 1833. 

1. Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto 
you with my voice, even the voice of my Spirit, that I 
may show unto you my will concerning your brethren 
in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble 
and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find 
truth. 

2. Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such, 
for they shall obtain, for I, the Lord, show mercy unto 
all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I 
may be justified when I shall bring them into judg- 
ment. 

3. Behold, I say unto you, concerning the School 
in Zion, I, the Lord, am well pleased that there should 
be a school in Zion, and also with my servant Parley 
P. Pratt, for he abideth in me ; 

4. And inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me ; 

a, vera. 4—0. See #, Sec. 88. 



fiEO. XCTVTI.] COMMANDMENTS. 339 

he shall continue to preside over the school in the land 
of Zion, until I shall give unto him other command- 
ments; 

5. And I will bless him with a multiplicity of 
blessings, in expounding all scriptures and mysteries 
to the edification of the school, and of the church in 
Zion ; 

6. And to the residue of the school, I, the Lord, 
am willing to show mercy, nevertheless there are those 
that must needs be chastened, and their works shall be 
made known. 

7. The axe is laid at the root of the trees, and 
every tree that bringeth ^not forth good fruit, shall be 
hewn down and cast into the fire : I, the Lord, have 
spoken it. 

8. Verily I say unto you, all among them who know 
their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their 
spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their cove- 
nants by sacrifice ; yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, 
shall command, they are all accepted of me, 

9. For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth 
as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly 
land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious 
fruit. 

10. Verily, I say unto you, that it is my will that 
an c house should be built unto me in the land of Zion, 
like unto the pattern which I have given you ; 

11. Yea, let it be built speedily, by the tithing of 
my people : 

12. Behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice 
which I, the Lord, require at their hands, that there 
may be an house built unto me for the salvation of 
Zion, 

13. For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and 
for a place of instruction for all those who are called 

b, Mat 3 : 10. d, 124 ; 49—54. d, ?er. 12. See n t See. 42. 



340 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVH, 

to the work of the ministry in all their several callings 
and offices, 

14. That they may be perfected in the understand- 
ing of their ministry — in theory, in principle, and in 
doctrine — in all things pertaining to the kingdom of 
God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been 
conferred upon you. 

15. And inasmuch as my people build an house unto 
me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any un- 
clean thing to come into it that it be not defiled, *my 
glory shall rest upon it ; 

16. Yea, and Any presence shall be there, for I will 
come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come 
into it shall ^see God ; 

17. But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and 
my glory shall not be there, for I will not come into 
unholy temples. 

18. And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she 
shall prosper, and spread herself and become very 
glorious, very great, and very terrible, 

19. And the nations of the earth shall honor her, 
and shall say, Surely Zion is the city of our God, and 
surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her 
place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is 
there, 

20. And he hath sworn by the power of his might, 
to be her salvation and her high tower ; 

21. Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion 
rejoice, for this is Zion — a the pure in heart 
therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall 
mourn ; 

22. For behold, and lo, ^vengeance cometh speedily 
upon the ungodly as the whirlwind, and who shall 
escape it ; 

23. The Lord's ^scourge shall pass over by night and 

e, 84 : 5, 31, 32. /, ver. 17. g, see o, Sec. 50. h, Pearl 

of Great Price, p. 18. i, see /and g, Sec. 1. ;, Isa. 28 : 15. 



SEC. XCVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 341 

by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people ; yet 
it shall not be stayed until the Lord come ; 

24. For the indignation of the Lord is kindled 
against their abominations and all their wicked works ; 

25. Nevertheless Zion shall escape if she observe to 
do all things whatsoever I have commanded her, 

26. But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have- 
commanded her, I will visit her ^according to all her 
works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, 
with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire ; 

27. Nevertheless, let it be read this once in their 
ears, that I, the Lord, have accepted of their offering, 
and if she sin no more, none of these things shall come 
upon her, 

28. And I will bless her with blessings, and multi- 
ply a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her 
generations for ever and ever, saith the Lord your God. 
Amen. 



SECTION 98. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, August 6th, 1833. 

1. Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let 
your hearts be comforted ; yea, rejoice evermore, and 
in everything give thanks, 

2. Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers 
have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and 
are recorded with this seal and testament ; the Lord 
hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted ; 

3. Therefore he giveth this promise unto you, with 
an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled, and 

k, 90 : 36, 37. 



342 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVHI. 

all things wherewith you have been afflicted, shall work 
together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith 
the Lord. 

4. And now, verily I say unto you concerning the 
laws of the land, it is my will that my people should 
observe to do all things whatsoever I command them ; 

5. And that law of the land which is constitutional, 
supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining 
rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is 
justifiable before me ; 

6. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your 
brethren of my church, in befriending that law which 
is the Constitutional law of the land ; 

7. And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is 
more or less than these, cometh of evil. 

8. I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are 
free indeed ; and the law also maketh you free ; 

9. Nevertheless, when the & wicked rule the people 
mourn ; 

10. Wherefore, honest men, and wise men should 
be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye 
should observe to uphold ; otherwise whatsoever is less 
than these cometh of evil. 

11. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye 
shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye 
shall live by every word which proceedetn forth out of 
the mouth of God ; 

12. For he will give unto the faithful line upon 
line, precept upon precept ; and I will try you and 
prove you herewith ; 

13. And whoso c layeth down his life in my cause, 
for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal : 

14. Therefore be not afraid of your enemies, for I 
have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will 
prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my 

a, 58 : 21, 22. 101 : 77—80. 109 : 54. b, vers. 10—12. c, vers. 
14, 15. 101 : 35—38. 103 ; 27, 28. 123 : 7, 9. 124 : 54. 136 : 31, 39. 



BEG. XCVni.] COMMANDMENTS. 343 

covenant, d even unto death, that you may be found 
worthy ; 

15. For if ye will not abide in my covenant, ye are 
not worthy of me ; 

16. Therefore renounce w r ar and proclaim peace, 
and seek diligently to turn the ^hearts of their children 
to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the 
children ; 

17. And again, the ^hearts of the Jews unto the 
prophets, and the prophets unto the Jews, lest I come 
and smite the whole earth with a curse, and all flesh 
be consumed before me. 

18. Let not your hearts be troubled, for in my 
Father's house are ^many mansions, and I have pre- 
pared a place for you, and where my Father and I am, 
there ye shall be also. 

19. Behold, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with 
many who are in the church at Kirtland, 

20. For they do not forsake their sins, and their 
wicked w r ays, the pride of their hearts, and their covet- 
ousness, and all their detestable things, and observe the 
words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given 
unto them. 

21. Verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will 
chasten them, and will do whatsoever I list, if they do 
not repent and observe all things whatsoever I have 
said unto them. 

22. And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do 
whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn 
away all wrath and indignation from you, and the A gates 
of hell shall not prevail against you. 

23. Now I speak unto you concerning your families ; 
if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye 
bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither 
seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded ; 

d y see c. e, see a, Sec. 2. /, Rom. 11 : 26—31. g, ece a, 

Sec 59. h, oee I, Sec 10. 



Sii COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVTII. 

24. But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be ac- 
counted unto you as being meted out a just measure 
unto you. 

25. And again, if your enemy shall smite you the 
second time, and you revile not against your enemy, 
and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred 
fold. 

26. And again, if he shall smite you the third time, 
and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled 
unto you four fold ; 

27. And these three testimonies shall stand against 
your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted 
out. 

28. And now verily I say unto you, if that enemy 
shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into 
judgment before me, then ye shall see to it that ye 
warn him in my name, that he come no more upon 
you, neither upon your family, even your children's 
children unto the third and fourth generation ; 

29. And then if he shall come upon you, or your 
children, or your children's children unto the third and 
fourth generation ; I have delivered thine enemy into 
thine hands, 

30. And then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be 
rewarded for thy righteousness ; and also thy children 
and thy children's children unto the third and fourth 
generation ; 

31. Nevertheless thine enemy is in thine hands, 
and if thou reward him according to his works, thou 
art justified, if he has sought thy life, and thy life is 
endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and 
thou art justified. 

32. Behold, this is the law I gave unto my servant 
Nephi,and thy fathers Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and 
Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets and apostles. 

33. And again, this is the *law that I gave unto 

i, Alma 48: 10-25. 



SEC. XCVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 345 

mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battlo 
inst any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, 
the Lord, cotiimanded them. 

34. And if any nation, tongue, or people, should 
proclaim Avar against them, they should first lift a Astan- 
dard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue ; 

35. And if that people did not accept the offering 
of peace neither the second nor the third time, they 
should bring these testimonies before the Lord ; 

36. Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a com- 
mandment, and justify them in going out to battle 
against that nation, tongue, or people, 

37. And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and 
their children's battles, and their children's children's, 
until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, 
to the third and fourth generation. 

38. Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, 
saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. 

39. And again, verily I say unto you, if after thine 
enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and 
come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt for- 
give him, and shall hold it no more as a testimony 
against thine enemy, 

40. And so on unto the second and third time ; and 
as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass where- 
with he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive 
him, until seventy times seven : 

41. And if he trespass against thee and repent not 
the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him ; 

42. And if he trespass against thee the second time, 
and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him ; 

43. And if he trespass against thee the third time, 
and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him ; 

44. But if he trespass against thee the fourth time, 
thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testi- 
monies before the Lord, and they shall not be blotted 

j, 105 : 3S, 40. 



346 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCIX. 

out until he repent and reward thee four fold in all 
things wherewith he has trespassed against thee ; 

45. And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with 
all thine heart, and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will 
avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred fold ; 

46. And upon his children, and upon his children's 
children of all them that hate me, unto the third and 
fourth generation ; 

47. But if the children shall repent, or the chil- 
dren's children, and turn to the Lord their God, with 
all their hearts, and with all their might, mind, and 
strength, and restore four fold for all their trespasses, 
wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their 
fathers have trespassed, or their father's fathers, then 
thine indignation shall be turned away, 

48. And vengeance shall no more come upon them, 
saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never 
be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord 
against them. Amen. 



SECTION 99. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, August, 1833. 

1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant 
John Murdock, thou art called to go into the eastern 
countries from house to house, from village to village, 
and from city to city, to proclaim mine Everlasting 
gospel unto the inhabitants thereof, in the midst of 
persecution and wickedness ; 

2. And whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and you 

a, see b, Sec 18. 



SEC. C.] COMMANDMENTS. 347 

shall have power to declare my word in the demonstra- 
tion of my Holy Spirit ; 

3. And whoso receiveth you as a little child, ^re- 
ceiveth my kingdom, and blessed are they, for they 
shall obtain mercy ; 

4. And whoso rejecteth you shall be Rejected of 
my Father and his house ; and you shall cleanse <*your 
feet in the secret places by the way for a testimony 
against them. 

5. And behold, and lo, I 'come quickly to judg- 
ment, to convince all of their ungodly deeds which they 
have committed against me, as it is written of me in 
the volume of the book. 

6. And now, verily I say unto you, that it is not 
expedient that you should go until your children are 
provided for, and kindly sent up unto the bishop in 
Zion; 

7. And after a few years, if thou desirest of me, 
thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess 
thine inheritance : 

8. Otherwise thou shalt continue proclaiming my 
gospel until thou be taken. Amen. 



SECTION 100. 



Revelation given in Perrysburg, N. F., to Joseph 
Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, October 12th, 1833. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends 
Sidney, and Joseph, your families are well ; they are 
in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me 
good ; for in me there is all power ; 

fc, see «, Sec. 35. c, see d, Sec. 60. d, see d, Sec. 60. e, gee e t Sec. L 



318 COVENANTS AND [SEC. 0. 

2. Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel 
which I shall give unto you. 

3. Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place, 
in the regions round about, and an effectual door shall 
be opened in the regions round about in this eastern 
land. 

4. Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come 
unto this place ; for thus it was expedient in me for the 
salvation of souls ; 

5. Therefore, verily, I say unto you, lift up your 
voices unto this people, speak the thoughts that I shall 
put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded 
before men ; 

6. For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, 
in the very moment, a what ye shall say. 

7. But a^ commandment I give unto you, that ye 
shall declare whatsoever things ye declare in my name, 
in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all 
things. 

8. And I give unto you this promise, that inas- 
much as ye do this, the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth 
in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall 
say. 

9. And it is expedient in me that you, my servant 
Sidney, should be a ^spokesman unto this people ; yea, 
verily, I will ordain you unto this calling, even to be a 
spokesman unto my servant Joseph ; 

10. And I will give unto him power to be mighty 
in testimony ; 

11. And I will give unto thee power to be mighty 
in expounding all scriptures, that thou mayest be a 
spokesman unto him, and he shall be a 'revelator unto 
thee, that thou mayest know the certainty of all 
things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the 
earth. 

12. Therefore, continue your journey and let your 

a, 84 : 85. Matt. 10 : 19, 20. &, ver. 11. 124 : 104. c, 21 : 1. 124 : 94. 



8EC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 349 

hearts rejoice ; for behold, and lo, I am with you even 
unto the end. 

13. And now I give unto you a word concerning 
Zion. Zion shall be ^redeemed, although she is chas- 
tened for a little season. 

14. Thy brethren, my servants Orson Hyde, and 
John Gould, are in my hands, and inasmuch as they 
keep my. commandments, they shall be saved. 

15. Therefore let your hearts be comforted, for all 
things shall work together for good to them that walk 
uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church ; 

.16. For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, 
that will serve me in righteousness ; 

17. And all that call on the name of the Lord, and 
keep his commandments, shall be saved. Even so. 
Amen. 



SECTION 101. 



Revelation given to Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, December 16th, 1833. 

1. Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren 
who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and a cast out 
from the land of their inheritance, 

2. I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come 
upon them, w r herewith they have been afflicted, in con- 
sequence of & their transgressions ; 

3. Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in 
that day when I shall come to make up c my jewels. 

4. Therefore, they must needs be chastened and 

d, 101 : 18, 43, 74, 75. 103 : 1, 11, 13, 15. 105 : 1, 2, 9, 13, 16, 34. 109 : 
51. 136 : 18. 

a, ver. 70. 64 : 30—36. 84 : 54—59. 103 : 2, 11. 104 : 51. 109 ; 47. 
121 ; 23. 6, vers. 3—9. c, 60 : 4. Mai. 3 : 17. 



350 COVENANTS AND . [SEC. CL 

1 

tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer 
up his only son 5 i 

5. For all those who will not endure chastening, 
but deny me, cannot be sanctified. 

6. Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and 
contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and 
covetous desires among them ; therefore by these things 
they polluted their inheritances. 

7. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the 
Lord their God, therefore the Lord their God is 'slow 
to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the 
day of their trouble. 

8. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly 
my counsel ; but, in the •'clay of their trouble, of 
necessity they feel after me. 

9. Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their 
sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards 
them : I will not utterly cast them off ; and in the day 
of wrath I will ^remember mercy. 

10. I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth 
by a former commandment which I have given unto 
you, that I would let A fall the sword of mine indigna- 
tion in the behalf of my people ; and even as I have 
said, it shall come to pass. 

11. Mine indignation is ^soon to be poured out 
without measure upon all nations, and this will I do 
when the cup of their iniquity is full. 

12. And in that day all who are found upon the 
watch tower, or in other words, all mine Israel shall be 
saved. 

13. And they that have been scattered shall 
be ^gathered ; 

14. And all they who have mourned shall be *com- 
forted ; 

d, 84 : 55—59. e, vers. 39—42. /, verp. 39—42, 44—54. 

g, vers. 10—19. 103 : 11— *). A, see/ and g, Sec. 1. i, see / 

and g t Sec. 1. ;*, the saints shall again be gathered k> Zion. vers. 17—19. 

29:7. 33:31. 39 ; 22. 42 ; 30. 45; 43. 54 ; 2, 4. 133.4.7. 103 ;U— 13. 
*,W: 18-20. 



SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 351 

15. And all they who have given their lives for my 
name shall be 'crowned. 

16. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted con- 
cerning Zion ; for all flesh is in mine hands : be still 
and know that I am God. 

17. Zion shall not be ™moved out of her place, 
notwithstanding her children are scattered ; 

18. They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall 
return, and come to their inheritances, they and their 
children, with n songs of everlasting joy, to build up 
the waste places of Zion ; 

19. And all these tilings that the prophets might 
be fulfilled. 

20. And, behold, there is none other place appointed 
than that which I have appointed ; neither shall 
there be any other place appointed than that which I 
have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my 
saints, 

21. Until the day cometh when there is found no 
more room for them ; and then I have other places 
which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be 
called °Stakes, for the curtains, or the strength of 
Zion. 

22. Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on 
my name, and worship me according to mine everlast- 
ing gospel, should ^gather together, and stand in holy 
places, 

23. And prepare for the revelation which is to 
come, when the vail of the covering of my temple, in 
my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken 
off, and all flesh shall ?see me together. 

24. And every corruptible thing, both of man, or 
of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of the heavens, 
or of the fish of the sea, that dwell upon all the face 
of the earth, shall be ^consumed ; 

l, Rev. 20 : 4. w, vers. 20—22. n, 45 : 71. Isa. 35 : 10. 

o, see d, Sec. 88. p, see j t Sec. 10. q t 38; 8. 93 : 1. See e, 

Bee 1. r,29;24. * 



352 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CI. 

25. And also that of element shall s melt with fer- 
vent heat ; and all tilings shall become new, that my 
knowledge and 'glory may dwell upon all the earth. 

26. And in that day the enmity of man, and the 
"enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall 
cease from before my face. 

27. And in that day r whatsoever any man shall ask, 
it shall be given unto him. 

28. And in that day Satan shall not have power ^to 
tempt any man. 

29. And there shall be no sorrow because there is 
no death. 

30. In that day an infant shall not die ^ntil he is 
old, and his life shall be as the ^age of a tree, 

31. And when he dies he shall not sleep, (that is to 
say in the earth,) but shall be changed in the twinkling 
of an eye, and shall be z caught up, and his rest shall 
be glorious. 

32. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when 
the Lord 2a shall come, he shall reveal 2& all things— 

33. Things which have passed, and hidden things 
which no man knew— things of the earth, by which it 
was made, and the purposes and the end thereof — 

34. Things most precious — things that are above, 
and things that are beneath — things that are in the 
earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven. 

35. And all they who suffer persecution for my 
name, and endure in faith, though they are called to 
lay down their lives for my sake, yet shall they partake 
of all this glory. 

36. Wherefore, fear not even 2c unto death ; for in 
this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is 
full 

g, 29 : 23, 24. 43 : 32. 133 : 41, 49. t , 76 : 7—9. 88 : 19. 93 : 1. 

u, 77 : 2. v, see c, Sec. 4. w, see 2t, Sec. 45. x, see t % 

Sec. 63. y y Isa. 65 : 22. z, The resurrection, during: the 

Millennium, a continued work, old people, as thev fall asleep, being* raised. 
2a, see e, Sec. 1. 2b, vers. 33—35. 88: 108,' 109. 121: 26—33. Isa. 

#. : 9. 2 c, ver. 37. See c, Sec. 98. 



SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 353 

37. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the 
life of the body ; but care for the soul, and for the 
2 ''life of the soul ; 

38. And seek the 2<? face of the Lord always, that in 
patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have 
eternal life. 

39. When men are called unto mine everlasting 
gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they 
are accounted as the 2 ^salt of the earth, and the savor 
of men ; 

40. They are called to be the savor of men. There- 
fore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it 
is thenceforth good for nothing, only to be cast out, 
and trodden under the 2 ^feet of men. 

41. Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children 
of Zion, even many, but not all ; they were found 
transgressors, therefore they must needs be chastened. 

42. He that exalteth himself shall be 2A abased, and 
he that abaseth himself shall be 2l 'exalted. 

43. And now, I will show unto you a parable, that 
you may know my will concerning the redemption of 
Eon. 

44. A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very 
choice ; and he said unto his servants, Go ye unto my 
vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and 
plant twelve olive trees, 

45. And set watchmen round about them, and build 
a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, 
to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive 
trees may not be broken down, when the enemy shall 
come to spoil, and take unto themselves the fruit of my 
vineyard. « 

46. Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did 
as their lord commanded them ; and planted the olive 
trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, 
and began to build a tower. 

2rf, Luke 12 : 15—21. 2e, see o, Sec. 50. 2/, 103 : 10. 

2<7, vers. 41, 42. 2 h % Matt. 23 : 12. 2 i. Matt. 23 : 12. 

A A 



354 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CL 

47. And while they were yet laying the foundation 
thereof, they began to say among themselves, And what 
need hath my lord of this tower ? 

48. And consulted for a long time, saying among 
themselves, What need hath my lord of this tower, see- 
ing this is a time of peace ? 

49. Might not this money be given to the ex- 
changers ? for there is no need of these things ! 

50. And while they were at variance one with an- 
other they became very slothful, and they hearkened 
not unto the commandments of their lord, 

51. And the enemy 2 ^came by night, and broke 
down the hedge, and the servants of the nobleman 
arose and were affrighted, and fled ; and the enemy 
destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees. 

52. Now behold, the nobleman, the lord of the 
vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, 
Why ! what is the cause of this great evil ? 

53. Ought ye not to have done even as I com- 
manded you ? and after ye had planted the vineyard, 
and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen 
upon the walls thereof, built the tower also, and set 
a 2 ^watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vine- 
yard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should 
come upon you ? 

54. And behold, the watchman upon the tower 
would have seen the 2 *enemy while he was yet afar off, 
and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy 
from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my 
vineyard from the hands of the destroyer. 

55. And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of 
his servants, Go and gather together the residue of my 
servants, and take 2 m all the strength of mine house, 
which are my warriors, my young men, and they that 
are of middle age also among all my servants, who are 

2;, Matt. 24 : 43. 2k, Ezek. 33 : 2—7. 21, Ezek. 33 : 2—7.^ 

2 m, referring to the saints in the States. 35 : 13 t 14. 87 : 5-8. 103 : 22, 
29. 105 : 29, 30. 



SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 355 

the strength of mine house, save those only whom I 
have appointed to tarry ; 

56. And go ye straightway unto the land of my 
vineyard, and 2n redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I 
have bought it with money. 

57. Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land ; 
break down the walls of mine enemies ; throw down 
their tower, and scatter their watchmen : 

58. And inasmuch as they gather together against 
you, 2o avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I 
may 2 ^come with the residue of mine house, and possess 
the land. 

59. And the servant said unto his lord, When shall 
these things be ? 

60. And he said unto his servant, When I will, go 
ye straightway, and do all things 2 ^whatsoever I have 
commanded you ; 

61. And this shall be my seal and blessing upon 
you — a faithful and 2l wise steward in the midst of 
mine house, a ruler in my kingdom. 

62. And his servant went straightway, and did all 
things whatsoever his lord commanded him, and 2 *after 
many days all things were fulfilled. 

63. Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto 
you 2 'wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inas- 
much as they are willing to be guided in a right and 
proper way for their salvation, 

64. That the work of the gathering together of my 
saints may ^continue, that I may build them up unto 
my name upon 2y holy places; for the time of 2 ^harvest 
is come, and my w r ord must needs be fulfilled. 

Qo. Therefore, I must gather together my people, 
according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, 

2n, referring to the lands purchased by the saints in Jackson Co., Mis- 
souri. 2o, the principle of self-defence justified. 2jp, see e t 
Sec. 1. 2 q, 95 : 16—19. 2r, see u, Sec. 78. 2s, 58 : 44. 
105 : 15. 136 : 18. Complete fulfillment, at the coming of Christ with the 
residue of his house. 2t, vers. 64—74. 2w, see;', Sec. 10. 
2», see g, Sec. 87. 2 w, see b, Sec. 4. 



356 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CL 

that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess 
eternal life, and be 2 ^crowned with celestial glory when 
I shall 2 2/come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward 
every man according as his work shall be, 

66. While the tares shall be bound in 2z bundles, 
and their bands made strong, that they may be burned 
with unquenchable fire. 

67. Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the 
churches, that they shall continue to 3a gather to- 
gether unto the places which I have appointed ; 

68. Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a 
former commandment, let not your gathering be 
in 36 haste, nor by flight ; but let all things be pre- 
pared before you : 

69. And in order that all things be prepared before 
you, observe the commandments which I have given 
concerning these things, 

70. Which saith, or teacheth, to 3 purchase all the 
lands by money, which can be purchased for money, in 
the region round about the land which I have appointed 
to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the 
gathering of my saints ; 

71. All the land which can be purchased in Jackson 
county, and the counties round about, and leave the 
residue in mine hand. 

72. Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches 
gather together 3 d all their monies ; let these things be 
done in their time, be not in haste, and observe to have 
all things prepared before you. 

73. And let honorable men be appointed, even 3 e wise 
men, and send them to purchase these lands ; 

74. And every church in the eastern countries when 
they are built up, if they will hearken unto this 
counsel, they may buy lands and gather together upon 
them, and in this way they may establish Zion. 

2x t 29 : 11—13. 63 : 49. 76 : 50—70, 94, 95. 88 : 28, 29. 2y> see e, 

Seel. 22, see l } Sec. 38. 3 a, see j, Sec. 10. S ft, see j, Sec. 10. 

3 c, see j, Sec. 63. 3d, see j, Sec. 63. 3e, 105 : 28—30. 



fiEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 357 

75. There is even now already in store a sufficient, 
yea, even abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her 
waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the 
churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to 
hearken to my voice. 

76. And again I say unto you, those who have been 
scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they 
should continue to ^importune for redress, and 
redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as 
rulers, and are in authority over you, 

77. According to the laws and constitution of the 
people which I have suffered to be established, and 
should be maintained for the rights and protection of 
all flesh, according to just and holy principles, 

78. Thateveryman may act in doctrine and principle 
pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency 
which I have given unto them, that every man may 
be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. 

79. Therefore, it is not right that any man should 
be in ^bondage one to another. 

80. And for this purpose have I established the 
constitution of this land, by the hands of 3/ *wise men 
whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed 
the land by the shedding of blood. 

81. Now, unto what shall I liken the children of 
Zion? I will liken them unto the 3 Sparable of the 
woman and the unjust judge (for men ought always to 
pray and not to faint) which saith, 

82. There was in a city a judge which feared not 
God, neither regarded man. 

83. And there was a widow in that city, and she 
came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 

84. And he would not for a while, but afterward he 
said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard 
man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge 
her, lest, by her continual coming, she weary me. 

3/, vers. 77—95. 3g, 104 : 16—18, 83, 84. 3 h, the Lord 

raised up the framers of the American Constitution. Si, Luke 18 : 1—8. 



.358 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CL 

85. Thus will I liken the children of Zion. 

86. Let them importune at the feet of the Judge ;. 

87. And if he heed them not, let them importune 
at the feet of the Governor ; 

88. And if the Governor heed them not, let them 
importune at the feet of the President ; 

89. And if the President heed them not, then will 
the Lord arise and come forth out of his ^'hiding place, 
and in his fury vex the nation, 

90. And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce 
anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, 
and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion 
among hypocrites, and unbelievers ; 

91. Even in outer darkness, w T here there is ^weep- 
ing, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. 

92. Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be 
opened unto your cries, that I may be merciful unto 
them, that these things may not come upon them. 

93. What I have said unto you, must needs be, that 
all men may be left without excuse ; 

94. That wise men and rulers may hear and know 
that which they have 3 *never considered ; 

95. That I may proceed to bring to pass Sm my act, 
my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work, 
that men may discern between the righteous and the 
wicked, saith your God. 

96. And again, I say unto you, it is contrary to my 
commandment, and my will, that my servant Sidney 
Gilbert should sell my storehouse, which I have ap- 
pointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies. 

97. Let not that which I have appointed be pol- 
luted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who 
call themselves after my name ; 

98. For this is a very sore and grievous sin against, 
me, and against my people, in consequence of those 

3/, 101 : 89. 121 : 1, 4. 123 : 6. Zk, see e, Sec 19. 3Z, m. Nsp. 
20 : 45. 21 ; 8. 8wi, see c, Sec. 95. 



SEC. OB.] COMMANDMENTS. 359 

things which I have decreed and are soon to befall the 

nations. 

99. Therefore, it is my will that my people should 
claim, and hold claim upon that which 1 have appointed 
unto them, though they should not be permitted to 
dwell thereon ; 

100. Nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell 
thereon ; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and 
works meet for my kingdom, they shall dwell thereon ; 

101. They shall build, and 3n another shall not in- 
herit it ; they shall plant vineyards, and they shall eat 
the fruit thereof. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 102. 



Minutes of the Organization of the High Council of 
the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kirt- 
land, February 17, 1834. 

1. This day a general council of twenty-four High 
Priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, jun., by 
revelation, and proceeded to organize the High Council 
of the Church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve 
High Priests, and one or three Presidents, as the case 
might require. 

2. The High Council was appointed by revelation 
for the purpose of settling important difficulties which 
might arise in the church, which could not be settled 
by the church or the bishop's council to the satisfaction 
of the parties. 

3. Joseph Smith, jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick 
G. Williams, were acknowledged Presidents by the 
voice of the council ; and Joseph Smith, sen., John 
Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John 
S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. 

3?i, Isa. 65 : 20—22. 



3G0 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CIL 

• 

Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke John- 
son, High Priests, were chosen to be a standing Council 
for the church, by the unanimous voice of the Council. 

4. The above-named counselors were then asked 
whether they accepted their appointments, and whether 
they would act in that office according to the law of 
heaven : to which they all answered that they accepted 
their appointments, and would fill their offices accord- 
ing to the grace of God bestowed upon them. 

5. The number composing the council, who voted 
in the name and for the church, in appointing the 
above-named counselors were forty-three, as follows : — 
Nine High Priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and 
thirteen members. 

6. Voted : that the High Council cannot have power 
to act without seven of the above-named counselors, 
or their regularly-appointed successors are present. 

7. These seven shall have power to appoint other 
High Priests, whom they may consider worthy and 
capable to act in the place of absent counselors. 

8. Voted : that whenever any vacancy shall occur 
by the death, removal from office for transgression, or 
removal from the bounds of this church government, of 
any one of the above-named counselors, it shall be 
filled by the nomination of the President or Presidents, 
and sanctioned by the voice of a general council of 
High Priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the 
name of the church. 

9. The President of the church, w T ho is also the 
President of the council, is appointed by revelation, 
and acknowledged in his administration, by the voice 
of the church ; 

10. And it is according to the dignity of his office 
that he should preside over the Council of the church ; 
and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other 
Presidents, appointed after the same manner that he 
himself was appointed ; 

11. And in case of the absence of one or both of 



SEC. CII.] commandments. 361 

those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to 
preside over the Council without an assistant : and in 
case that he himself is absent, the other Presidents have 
power to preside in his stead, both, or either of them. 

12. Whenever an High Council of the church of 
Christ is regularly organized, according to the foregoing 
pattern, it shall be the duty of the twelve counselors 
to cast lots by numbers, and thereby ascertain, who of 
the twelve shall speak first, commencing with .number 
one, and so in succession to number twelve. 

13. Whenever this Council convenes to act upon any 
case, the twelve counselors shall consider whether it is a 
difficult one or not ; if it is not, two only of the coun- 
selors shall speak upon it, according to the form above 
written. 

14. But if it is thought to be difficult, four shall be 
appointed ; and if more difficult, six ; but in no case 
shall more than six be appointed to speak. 

15. The accused, in all cases, has a right to one half 
of the Council, to prevent insult or injustice ; 

16. And the counselors appointed to speak before 
the Council, are to present the case after the evidence 
is examined, in its true light before the Council, and 
every man is to speak according to equity and justice. 

17. Those counselors who draw even numbers, that 
is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, are the individuals who are to 
stand up in behalf of the accused, and prevent insult 
or injustice. 

18. In all cases the accuser and the accused shall 
have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the 
Council after the evidences are heard, and the coun- 
selors who are appointed to speak on the case, have 
finished their remarks. 

19. After the evidences are heard, the counselors, 
accuser and accused have spoken, the President shall 
give a decision according to the understanding which ho 
shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve coun- 
selors to sanction the same by their vote. 



362 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CII. 

20. But should the remaining counselors, who have 
not spoken, or any one of them, after hearing the evi- 
dences and pleadings impartially, discover an error in 
the decision of the President, they can manifest it, and 
the case shall have a re-hearing ; 

21. And if, after a careful re-hearing, any additional 
light is shown upon the case, the decision shall be 
altered accordingly ; 

22. But in case no additional light is given, the first 
decision shall stand, the majority of the Council having 
power to determine the same. 

23. In cases of difficulty, respecting doctrine or 
principle, (if there is not a sufficiency written to make 
the case clear to the minds of the Council,) the 
President may inquire and obtain the mind of the 
Lord by revelation. 

24. The High Priests, when abroad, have power to 
call and organize a council after the manner of the fore- 
going to settle difficulties when the parties, or either of 
them shall request it : 

25. And the said council of High Priests shall have 
power to appoint one of their own number, to preside 
over such council for the time being. 

26. It shall be the duty of said council to transmit 
immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full 
statement of the testimony accompanying their decision, 
to the High Council of the seat of the First Presidency 
of the church. 

27. Should the parties, or either of them be dissatis- 
fied with the decision of said council, they may appeal 
to the High Council of the seat of the First Presidency 
of the church, and have a re-hearing, which case shall 
there be conducted, according to the former pattern 
written, as though no such decision had been made. 

28. This council of High Priests abroad, is only to 
be called on the most difficult cases of church matters ; 
and no common or ordinary case is to be sufficient to 
call such council. 



SEC. Gil.] COMMANDMENTS. 363 

29. The traveling or located High Priests abroad, 
have power to say whether it is necessary to call such a 
council or not. 

30. There is a distinction between the High Council of 
traveling High Priests abroad, and the traveling High 
Council composed of the Twelve apostles, in their decisions. 

31. From the decision of the former there can be an 
appeal, but from the decision of the latter there cannot. 

32. The latter can only be called in question by the 
general authorities of the church incase of transgression. 

33. Resolved, that the President or Presidents of 
the seat of the First Presidency of the church, shall 
have power to determine whether any such case, as 
may be appealed, is justly entitled to a re-hearing, after 
examining the appeal and the evidences and statements 
accompanying it. 

34. The twelve counselors then proceeded to cast 
lots or ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and 
the following was the result, namely : — 

1 Oliver Cowdery, 

2 Joseph Coe, 

3 Samuel H. Smith, 

4 Luke Johnson, 

5 John S. Carter, 

6 Sylvester Smith, 

7 John Johnson, 

8 Orson Hyde, 

9 Jared Carter, 

10 Joseph Smith, Sen., 

11 John Smith, 

12 Martin Harris. 

After prayer the conference adjourned. 

Oliver Cowdery, | Clerks> 
Orson Hyde, ) 



364 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CI1I. 



SECTION 103. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Geauga County, Ohio, February 2Uh, 1834. 

1. Verily I say unto you, my friends, behold I will 
give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you 
may know how to act in the discharge of your duties 
concerning the salvation and ^redemption of your 
brethren, who have been scattered on the land of 
Zion; 

2. Being driven and smitten by the hands of mine 
enemies, on whom I will pour out my wrath without 
measure in mine own time ; 

3. For I have suffered them thus far, that they 
might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their 
cup might be full ; 

4. And that those who call themselves after my 
name might be chastened for a 6 little season with a 
sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not 
hearken altogether unto the precepts and command- 
ments which I gave unto them. 

5. But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed 
a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as 
they hearken from this very hour, unto the counsel 
which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them. 

6. Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, c begin 
to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour, 

7. And by hearkening to observe all the words 
which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, 
they shall never cease to prevail until the ^kingdoms 
of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth 
is given unto the saints, to ^possess it for ever and 
ever. 

a, vers. 11—40. &, 84 : 58. 95 : 1, 2. 97 : 6, 7, 26—28. 101 : 1, 
2, 4, 5, 41. 105 : 6. c, vers. 7, 11—14. d, Dan. 2 : 34, 35, 44, 
45. e, 38 : 20. 56 : 19, 20. 



SEC. ciil] commandments. 3G5 

8. But inasmuch as they keep not my command- 
ments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the 
•^kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them, 

9. For they were set to be a light unto the world, 
and to be the saviours of men ; 

10. And inasmuch as they are not the saviours of 
men, they are #as salt that has lost its savor, and is 
thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and 
trodden under foot of men. 

11. But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that 
your brethren which have been scattered shall ^return 
to the land of their inheritances, and build up the 
waste places of Zion ; 

12. For after much tribulation, as I have said 
unto you in a former commandment, cometh the 
blessing. 

13. Behold, this is the blessing which I have pro- 
mised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of 
your brethren ; your redemption, and the redemption 
of your brethren, even their ^restoration to the land 
of Zion, to be established no more to be thrown down ; 

14. Nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances, 
they shall be thrown down, for I will not spare them 
if they pollute their inheritances. 

15. Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion 
must needs come by *power ; 

16. Therefore, I will 'raise up unto my people a 
man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children 
of Israel, 

17. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the 
seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of 
^bondage by power, and with a stretched out arm : 

18. And as your fathers were n led at the first, even 
so^shall the redemption of Zion be. 

/, Dan. 7 : 21, 22. g, 101 : 39—41. h y 101 : 17—19. Isa. 

35 : 10. i, 58 : 3—5. j, see h. k, vers. 16—20, °3— 28. 

I, the one referred to, in this prophecy, is not yet revealed. in, an in- 

dication that the saints will be in bondage. n, 101 : 55. 103 : 15, 

17-20. 105 : 30. 133 : 67. 136 : 18, 22. 



366 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIH. 

19. Therefore let not your hearts faint, for I say not 
unto you as I said unto your fathers, mine angel shall 
go up before you, but °not my presence ; 

20. But I say unto you, mine angels shall go before 
you, and ^also my presence, and in ?time ye shall 
possess the goodly land. 

21. Verily, verily I say unto you, that my servant 
Baurak Ale (Joseph Smith, jr.) is the man to whom I 
likened the servant to whom the Lord of the vine- 
yard spake in the parable which I have given unto you. 

22. Therefore let my servant Baurak Ale (Joseph 
Smith, jr.) say unto the strength of my house, my 
young men and the middle aged, gather yourselves 
together unto the land of Zion, upon the land which I 
have bought with moneys that has been consecrated 
unto me ; 

23. And let all the churches send up wise men with 
their moneys, and ^purchase lands even as I have com- 
manded them ; 

24. And inasmuch as mine enemies come against 
you to drive you from my goodly land, which I have 
consecrated to be the land of Zion ; even from your 'own 
lands after these testimonies, which ye have brought 
before me, against them, ye shall M curse them ; 

25. And whomsoever ye curse, I will v curse, and ye 
shall avenge me of mine enemies ; 

26. And my presence shall be with you even in 
avenging me of mine enemies, unto the u third and 
fourth generation of them that hate me. 

27. Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my 
sake, for whoso layeth down *his life for my sake shall 
find it again ; 

28. And whoso is ^not willing to lay down his life 
for my sake, is not my disciple. 

o, 84 : 23—28. Exod. 33 : 1—4. p, vers. 22—27. q, see h. 
r, 101 : 55. s, see q, Sec. 42. t, see q, Sec. 42. u, 24 : 
15—17. 124 : 93. 132 : 45—48. v, see u. w, 97 : 22. 98 : 45. 
101 : 58. 103 : 2, 7, 25, 26. 105 : 15, 80. 133 : 51. x, see c, Soc. 9$. 
y, see c, Sec. 98. 



SEC. CIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 367 

29. It is my will that my servant Sidney Rigdon 
shall lift up his voice in the congregations in the eastern 
countries, in preparing the churches to keep the com- 
mandments which I have given unto them, concerning 
the restoration and ^redemption of Zion. 

30. It is my will that my servant Parley P. Pratt, 
and my servant Lyman Wight should not return to the 
land of their brethren, until they have obtained com- 
panies to go up unto the land of Zion, by tens, or by 
twenties, or by fifties, or by an hundred, until they have 
obtained to the number of five hundred of the 2 strength 
of my house. 

31. Behold this is my will ; ask and you shall 
receive, but men do not always do my will ; 

32. Therefore, if you cannot obtain five hundred, 
seek diligently, that peradventure you may obtain three 
hundred ; 

33. And if ye cannot obtain three hundred, seek 
diligently, that peradventure ye may obtain one hun- 
dred. 

34. But verily I say unto you, a commandment I 
give unto you, that ye shall not go up unto the land of 
Zion, until you have obtained one hundred of the 
strength of my house, to go up with you unto the land 
of Zion. 

35. Therefore as I said unto you, ask and ye shall 
receive ; pray earnestly that peradventure my servant 
Baurak Ale (Joseph Smith, jr.) may go with you, and 
preside in the midst of my people, and organize my 
kingdom upon the consecrated land, and 2& establish the 
children of Zion upon the laws and commandments 
which have been, and which shall be given unto you. 

36. All victory and glory is brought to pass unto 
you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of 
faith. 

37. Let my servant Parley P. Pratt journey with my 
servant Joseph Smith, jr. 

z, see h. 2a, ver, 22, 101 : 55. 2b, Sec. 42. 



368 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV. 

38. Let my servant Lyman Wight journey with my 
servant Sidney Rigdon. 

39. Let my servant Hyrum Smith journey with my 
servant Frederick G. Williams. 

40. Let my servant Orson Hyde journey with my 
servant Orson Pratt, whithersoever my servant Joseph 
Smith, jr., shall counsel them, in obtaining the fulfill- 
ment of these commandments which I have given unto 
you, and leave the residue in my hands. Even so. 
Amen. 



SECTION 104 



Bevelation given April 23rd, 1834, to Enoch, (Joseph 
Smith, jun.,) concerning the order of the church for 
the benefit of the poor. 

1. Verily I say unto you, my friends, I give unto 
you counsel, and a commandment, concerning all the 
properties which belong to the order which I com- 
manded to be organized and established, to be an a united 
order, and an everlasting order for the benefit of my 
church, and for the salvation of men until I come, 

2. With promise immutable and unchangeable, that 
inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful 
they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings ; 

3. But inasmuch as they were not faithful they were 
nigh unto cursing. 

4. Therefore, inasmuch as some of my servants 
have not kept the commandment but have broken the 
covenant by covetousness, and with feigned words, 
I & have cursed them with a very sore and grievous 
curse ; 

a, see I, Sec. 82. &, vers. 5—10. 82 : 21. 



SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 369 

5. For I, the Lord, have decreed in my heart, that 
inasmuch as any man belonging to the order, shall be 
found a transgressor, or, in other words, shall break the 
covenant with which ye are bound, he shall be c cursed 
in his life, and shall be trodden down by whom I 
will, 

6. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in these 
things ; 

7. And all this that the innocent among you may 
not be condemned with the unjust, and that the guilty 
among you may not escape, because I, the Lord, have 
promised unto you a ^crown of glory at my right hand. 

8. Therefore, inasmuch as you are found trans- 
gressors, ye cannot escape my e wrath in your lives ; 

9. Inasmuch as ye are cut off by transgressions, ye 
cannot escape the -^bufferings of Satan, until the day of 
redemption. 

10. And I now give unto you power from this very 
hour, that if any man among you, of the order, is 
found a transgressor, and repenteth not of the evil, 
that ye shall deliver him over unto the ^bufferings of 
Satan, and he shall not have power to bring evil upon 
you. 

11. It is wisdom in me : therefore, a commandment 
I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves and 
appoint A every man his stewardship, 

12. That every man may give an account unto me 
of his stewardship which is appointed unto him ; 

13. For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should 
make every man accountable, *as stewards over earthly 
blessings, which I have made and prepared for my crea- 
tures. 

14. I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built 
the earth as a very handy work, and all things therein 
are mine : 



c, see b. d, 76 : 50—70. 88 : 2—5. e, ver. 5. 82 : 21. /, see h, 
Sec. 78. g, see h, Sec. 78. h, see o, Sec. 42. i, see o, Sec. 42. 

B B 



370 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV. 

15. r And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, 
for all things are mine ; 

16. But it must needs be done in mine own way ; 
and behold this is* the way that I, the Lord, have de- 
creed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be 
exalted, in that the rich are made low ; 

17. For the earth is full, and there is enough and 
to spare ; yea, I prepared all things, and have given 
unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. 

18. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abun- 
dance which I have made, and impart not his portion, 
according to the -^law of my gospel, unto the poor and 
the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in 
hell, being in torment. 

19. And now, verily I say unto you, concerning the 
properties of the order. 

20. Let my servant Pelagoram (Sidney Rigdon) have 
appointed unto him the place where he now resides, and 
the lot of Tahhanes (the tannery) for his stewardship, 
for his support while he is laboring in my vineyard, 
even as I will when I shall command him ; 

21. And let all things be done according to the 
counsel of the order, and united consent or voice of 
the order, w r hich dwell in the land of Shinehah. (Kirt- 
land.) 

22. And this stewardship and blessing, I, the 
Lord, confer upon my servant Pelagoram, (Sidney 
Rigdon,) for a blessing upon him, and his seed after 
him ; 

23. And I will multiply blessings upon him, inas- 
much as he shall be humble before me. 

24. And again, let my servant Mahemson (Martin 
Harris) have appointed unto him, for his stewardship, 
the lot of land which my servant Zombre (John John- 
son) obtained in exchange for his former inheritance, 
for him and his seed after him ; 



j, see », Sec. 42. 



SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 371 

25. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply 
blessings upon him, and his seed after him. 

26. And let my servant Mahemson (Martin Harris) 
devote his moneys for the proclaiming of my words, 
according as my servant Gazelain (Joseph Smith, jr.) 
shall direct. 

27. And again, let my servant Shederlaomach 
(Frederick G. Williams) have the place upon which he 
now dwells. 

28. And let my servant Olihah (Oliver Cowdery) 
have the lot which is set off joining the house, which 
is to be for the Laneshine-house, (printing office,) which 
is lot number one, and also the lot upon which his 
father resides. 

29. And let my servants Shederlaomach (Frederick 
G. Williams) and Olihah (Oliver Cowdery) have the 
Laneshine-house, (printing office,) and all things that 
pertain unto it ; 

30. And this shall be their stewardship which shall 
be appointed unto them : 

31. And inasmuch as they are faithful, behold I 
will bless, and multiply blessings upon them, 

32. And this is the beginning of the stewardship 
which I have appointed them, for them and their seed 
after them ; 

33. And, inasmuch as they are faithful, I will mul- 
tiply blessings upon them, and their seed after them, 
even a multiplicity of blessings. 

34. And again, let my servant Zombre (John John- 
son) have the house in which he lives, and the inheri- 
tance — all, save the ground which has been reserved 
for the ^building of my houses, which pertains to that 
inheritance, and those lots which have been named for 
my servant Olihah. (Oliver Cowdery.) 

35. And, inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply 
blessings upon him. 

k, Sections 94 and 95. 



372 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV. 

36. And it is my will that he should sell the lots 
that are laid off for the building up of the city of my 
saints, inasmuch as it shall be made known to him by 
the voice of the Spirit, and according to the counsel of 
the order, and by the voice of the order. 

37. And this is the beginning of the stewardship 
which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing unto 
him, and his seed after him ; 

38. And, inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply 
a multiplicity of blessings upon him. 

39. And again, let my servant Ahashdah (Newel 
K. Whitney) have appointed unto him the houses and 
lot where he now resides, and the lot and building on 
which the Ozondah (mercantile establishment) stands, 
and also the lot which is on the corner south of the 
Ozondah (mercantile establishment), and also the lot 
On which the Shule (ashery) is situated. 

40. And all this I have appointed unto my servant 
Ahashdah, (Newel K. Whitney,) for his stewardship, 
for a blessing upon him and his seed after him, for the 
benefit of the Ozondah (mercantile establishment) of my 
order which I have established for my Stake in the land 
of Shinehah ; (Kirtland ;) 

41. Yea, verily, this is the stewardship which I have 
appointed unto my servant Ahashdah, (N. K. Whitney,} 
even this whole Ozondah, (mercantile establishment,) 
him and his agent, and his seed after him ; 

42. And, inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my 
commandments which I have given unto him, I will 
multiply blessings upon him, and his seed after him, 
even a multiplicity of blessings. 

43. And again, let my servant Gazelam (Joseph 
Smith, jr.) have appointed unto him the lot w T hich is 
laid off for the z building of my house, which is forty 
rods long, and twelve wide, and also the inheritance 
upon which his father resides ; 



l, Sec. 95. 






SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 373 

44. And this is the beginning of the stewardship 
which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing upon 
him, and upon his father ; 

45. For, behold, I have reserved an inheritance for 
his father, for his support ; therefore he shall be reck- 
oned in the house of my servant Gazelam, (Joseph 
Smith, jr.,) 

46. And I will multiply blessings upon the house of 
my servant Gazelam, (Joseph Smith, jr.,) inasmuch as 
he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings. 

47. And now, a commandment I give unto you 
concerning Zion, that you shall no longer be bound as 
an ^United Order to your brethren of Zion, only on 
this wise. 

48. After you are organized, you shall be called the 
United Order of the n Stake of Zion, the city of Shine- 
hah. (Kirtland.) And your brethren, after they are 
organized, shall be called the United Order of the °City 
of Zion ; 

49. And they shall be organized in their own 
names, and in their own name ; and they shall do 
their business in their own name, and in their own 
names ; 

50. And you shall do your business in your own 
name, and in your own names. 

51. And this I have commanded to be done for 
your salvation, and also for their salvation, in conse- 
quence of their being ^driven out, and that which is to 
come. 

52. The covenants being broken through transgres-r 
sion, by covetousness and feigned words ; 

53. Therefore, you are dissolved as an ^United Ordei 
with your brethren, that you are not bound only up to 
this hour unto them, only on this wise, as I said, by loan 
as shall be agreed by this order in council, as your cn> 

m, see I, Sec. 82. n, 94 : 1. In Ohio. o, in the western 

part of Missouri. p, see a, Sec. 101. q, dissolution between the 

United Order of Kirtland, and the United Order of the City of 2ion. 



374 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV. 

cumstances will admit and the voice of the council 
direct. 

54. And again, a commandment I give unto you 
concerning your stewardship which I have appointed 
unto you. 

55. Behold, all these properties are mine, or else 
your faith is vain, and ye are found hypocrites, and 
the covenants which ye have made unto me are 
broken ; 

56. And if the properties are mine, then ye are 
stewards, otherwise ye are no stewards. 

57. But, verily I say unto you, I have appointed 
unto you to be stewards over mine house, even stewards 
indeed ; 

58. And for this purpose I have commanded you to 
organize yourselves, even to Shinelah (print) my words, 
the fullness of my r scriptures, the revelations which I 
have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from 
time to time give unto you, 

59. For the purpose of building up my church and 
kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the 
time when I shall s dwell with them, which is nigh at 
hand. 

60. And ye shall prepare for yourselves a treasury, 
and consecrate it unto my name ; 

61. And ye shall appoint one among you to keep 
the treasury, and he shall be ordained unto this bless- 
ing ; 

62. And there shall be a seal upon the treasury, 
and all the sacred things shall be delivered into the 
treasury, and no man among you shall call it his own, 
or any part of it, for it shall belong to you all with one 
accord ; 

63. And I give it unto you from this very hour : 
and now see to it, that ye go to and make use of the 
stewardship which I have appointed unto you, exclusive 

r, United Order for Printing. , s, see e, Sec. L 



SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 375 

of the sacred things, for the purpose of Shinelane 
(printing) these sacred things as I have said ; 

64. And the avails of the sacred things shall be had 
in the treasury, and a seal shall be upon it, and it shall 
not be used or taken out of the treasury by any one, 
neither shall the seal be loosed which shall be placed 
upon it, only by the voice of the order, or by command- 
ment. 

65. And thus shall ye preserve the avails of the 
sacred things in the treasury, for sacred and holy pur- 
poses : 

66. And this shall be called the sacred treasury of 
the Lord ; and a seal shall be kept upon it that it may 
be holy and consecrated unto the Lord. 

67. And again, there shall be another treasury pre- 
pared, and a treasurer appointed to keep the treasury, 
and a seal shall be placed upon it ; 

68. And all moneys that you receive in your steward- 
ships, by improving upon the properties which I have 
appointed unto you, in houses, or in lands, or in cattle, 
or in all things save it be the holy and sacred writings, 
which I have reserved unto myself for holy and sacred 
purposes, shall be cast into the treasury as fast as you 
receive moneys, by hundreds, or by fifties, or by 
twenties, or by tens, or by fives ; 

69. Or in other words, if any man among you obtain 
five talents, (dollars,) let him cast them into the 
treasury ; or if he obtain ten, or twenty, or fifty, or an 
hundred, let him do likewise ; 

70. And let not any man among you say that it is 
his own, for it shall not be called his, nor any part 
of it ; 

71. And there shall not any part of it be used, or 
taken out of the treasury, only by the voice and com- 
mon consent of the order. 

72. And this shall be the voice and common consent 
of the order ; that any man among you, say unto the 



376 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV. 

treasurer, I have need of this to help me in my steward- 
ship ; 

73. If it be five talents, (dollars,) or, if it be ten 
talents, (dollars,) or twenty, or fifty, or an hundred, 
the treas\\x*er shall give unto him the sum which he 
requires, to help him in his stewardship, 

74. Until he be found a transgressor, and it is mani- 
fest before the council of the order plainly, that he is 
an unfaithful and an ^unwise steward ; 

75. But so long as he is in full fellowship, and is 
faithful, and wise in his stewardship, this shall be his 
token unto the treasurer, that the treasurer shall not 
withhold. 

76. But in case of transgression, the treasurer shall 
be subject unto the council and voice of the order. 

77. And in case the treasurer is found an unfaithful, 
and an unwise steward, he shall be subject to the coun- 
cil and Voice of the order, and shall be removed out of 
his place, and another shall be appointed in his stead. 

78. And again, verily I say unto you, concerning 
your debts, behold it is my will that you should pay all 
your debts ; 

79. And it is my will that you should humble your- 
selves before me, and obtain this blessing by your 
diligence and humility, and the prayer of faith ; 

80. And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, 
and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften 
the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I 
shall send means unto you for your deliverance. 

81. Therefore write speedily unto Cainhannoch, 
(New York,) and write according to that which shall 
be dictated by my Spirit, and I will soften the hearts of 
those to whom you are in debt, that it shall be taken 
away out of their minds to bring affliction upon you. 

82. And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful, 

t, Luke 16 : 1—12. 



SEC. CV.] COMMANDMENTS. 377 

and call upon iny name, behold, I will give you the 
victory. 

83. I give unto you a promise, that you shall be 
delivered this once out of j'our bondage ; * 

84. Inasmuch as you obtain a chance to loan money 
by hundreds, or thousands, even until you shall loan 
enough to deliver yourselves from bondage, it is your 
privilege ; 

85. And pledge the properties which I have put into 
j'our hands, this once, by giving your names by com- 
mon consent or otherwise, as it shall seem good unto 
you. 

86. I give unto you this privilege, this once, and 
behold, if you proceed to do the things which I have 
laid before you, according to my commandments, all 
these things are mine, and ye are my stewards, and the 
master will not suffer his house to be broken up. Even 
so. Amen. 



SECTION 105. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on Fishing 
River, Missouri, June 22nd, 1834. 

1. Verily I say unto you who have assembled your- 
selves together that you may learn my will concerning 
the Redemption of mine afflicted people. 

2. Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the trans- 
gressions of my people, speaking concerning the church 
and not individuals, they might have been redeemed 
even now ; 

3. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient 
to the things which I required at their hands, but are 

a, see h, Sec. 103. 



378 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CV. 

full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their 
substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted 
among them, 

4. And are not united according to the & union re- 
quired by the law of the celestial kingdom ; 

5. And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the 
principles of the law of the celestial kingdom, other- 
wise I cannot receive her unto myself ; 

6. And my people must needs be chastened until 
they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things 
which they suffer. 

7. I speak not concerning those who are appointed 
to lead my people, who are the first elders of my church, 
for they are not all under this condemnation ; 

8. But I speak concerning my churches abroad — 
there are many who will say, Where is their God ? 
Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, other- 
wise we will not go up unto Zion, and will keep our 
moneys. 

" 9. Therefore, in consequence of the transgression 
of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders 
should c wait for a little season for the redemption of 
Zion, 

10. That they themselves may be prepared, and 
that my people may be taught more perfectly, and 
have experience, and know more perfectly concerning 
their duty, and the things which I require at their 
hands. 

11. And this cannot be brought to pass until mine 
elders are ^endowed with power from on high ; 

12. For behold, I have prepared a great endow- 
ment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inas- 
much as they are faithful and continue in humility 
before me ; 

13. Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders 

6, see a, Sec. 51. 38 : 27. 104 ; 1. 105 : 4, 5. c, vers. 10—19. 

d, see %, Sec. 38. 



SEC. CV.] COMMANDMENTS. 379 

should wait for a little season, for the redemption of 
Zion ; 

14. For behold, I do not require at their hands 
to 'fight the battles of Zion ; for, as I said in a former 
commandment, even so will I fulfill. I will fight your 
battles. 

15. Behold, the ^destroyer I have sent forth to 
destroy and lay waste mine enemies : and not many 
years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heri- 
tage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands 
which I have consecrated for the gathering together of 
my saints. 

16. Behold, I have commanded my servant Baurak 
Ale (Joseph Smith, jr.) to say unto the ^strength of my 
house, even my warriors, my young men, and middle- 
aged, to gather together for the redemption of my 
people, and throw down the towers of mine enemies, 
and scatter their watchmen ; 

17. But the strength of mine house have not 
hearkened unto my words ; 

18. But inasmuch as there are those who have 
hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing 
and an ^endowment for them, if they continue 
faithful. 

19. I have heard their prayers, and will accept their 
offering ; and it is expedient in me, that they should 
be brought thus far for a trial of their faith. 

20. And now, verily I say unto you, a command- 
ment I give unto you, that as many as have come up 
hither, that can stay in the region round about, let 
them stay ; 

21. And those that cannot stay, who have families 
in the east, let them tarry for a little season, inasmuch 
as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them ; 

22. For I will counsel him concerning this matter, 

e, 98 : 37. /, see / and a, Sec. 1. g t 101 : 55. 103 : 22, 30. 
h, see x, Sec. 38. 



380 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CV. 

and all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them 
shall be fulfilled. 

23. And let all my people who dwell in the regions 
round about be very faithful, and prayerful, and hum- 
ble before me, and reveal not the things which I have 
revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they 
should be revealed. 

24. Talk not of judgment, neither boast of faith, 
nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as 
much in one region as can be consistently with the 
feelings of the people ; 

25. And behold, I will give unto you favor and 
grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and 
safety, while you are saying unto the people, Execute 
judgment and justice for us according to law, and *re- 
dress us of our wrongs. 

26. Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in 
this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people, 
until the army of Israel becomes -?very great ; 

27. And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I 
did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my 
servant Baurak Ale, (Joseph -Smith, jr.,) and Baneemy, 
(mine elders,) whom I have appointed, shall have time 
to gather up the strength of my house, 

28. And to have sent wise men, to fulfill that which 
I have commanded concerning the ^purchasing of all 
the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased, and 
in the adjoining counties round about ; 

29. For it is my will that these lands should be 
purchased, and after they are purchased that my saints 
should possess them according to the laws of *consecra- 
tion which I have given ; 

30. And after these lands are '"purchased, I will 
hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession 
of their own lands, which they have previously pur- 
chased with their moneys, and of throwing down tha 

i, 101 : 81—95. j, ver. 31. k, see q, Sec. 42. I, see n, 

Sec. 42. m, see n, Sec. 42. 



SEC. CV.] COMMANDMENTS. 381 

towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and 
scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine 
enemies unto the third and fourth generation of them 
that hate me. 

31. But firstly, let my army become n very great, 
and let it be sanctified before me, that it may be- 
come °fair as the sun, and dear as the moon, and that 
her banners may be terrible unto all nations ; 

32. That the kingdoms of this world nfay be con- 
strained to acknowledge, that the ^kingdom of Zion is 
in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ ; 
therefore, let us become subject unto her laws. 

33. Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me 
that the first elders of my church should receive 
their ^endowment from on high in my house, which I 
have commanded to be built unto my name in the land 
of Kirtland ; 

34. And let those commandments which I have 
given concerning Zion and her r law be executed, and 
fulfilled, after her redemption. 

35. There has been a day of calling, but the time 
has come for a day of ^choosing, and let those be 
chosen that are worthy ; 

36. And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by 
the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen, and they 
shall be sanctified ; 

37. And inasmuch as they follow the counsel which 
they receive, they shall have power *after many days 
to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion. 

38. And again I say unto you, sue for peace, not 
only the people that have smitten you, but also to all 
people ; 

39. And lift up an ensign of peace, and make a 
proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth ; 

40. And make proposals for peace unto those who 

n, ver. 26. o, 5 : 14. p, Isa. 60 : 1—5, 11, 12. q, see x, 

Sec. 38. r, Sec. 42. *, see e, Sec. 95. U see 2 a, 

Sec. 101. 



382 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVL 

have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit 
which is in you, and all things shall work together for 
your good ; 

41. Therefore be faithful, and behold, and lo, I am 
with you even unto the end. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 106. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, 
Ohio, November 25th, 1834. 

1. It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery 
should be appointed and ordained a presiding High 
Priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the 
regions round about ; 

2. And should preach my ^everlasting gospel, and 
lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his 
own place, but in the adjoining countries, 

3. And devote his whole time in this high and holy 
calling which I now give unto him, seeking diligently 
the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all 
things necessary shall be added thereunto, for the laborer 
is worthy of his hire. 

4. And again, verily I say unto you, the b coming 
of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world 
as a thief in the night : 

5. Therefore, gird up your loins that you may be 
the children of the light, and that day shall not over- 
take you as a thief. 

6. And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy 
in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my 
sceptre, and separated himself from the crafts of men : 

a, see b, Sec. 18. b t see e, Sec. 1. c, see e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. OVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 383 

7. Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I 
will have mercy on him ; and notwithstanding the 
vanity of his heart, I will lift him up, inasmuch as he 
will humble himself before me ; 

8. And I will give him grace and assurance where- 
with he may stand, and if he continue to be a faithful 
witness and a light unto the church, I have prepared a 
crown for him in the ^mansions of my Father. Even 
so. Amen. 



SECTION 107. 



A Bevelation through Joseph, the Prophet, given at 
Kirtland, Ohio, on Priesthood ; the fore part, or the 
first fifty -eight verses, being given March 2%th, 
1835 ; the other items were revealed at sundry 
times. 

1. There are, in the church, ®two Priesthoods, 
namely, the Melchisedek, and Aaronic, including the 
Levitical priesthood. 

2. Why the first is called the Melchisedek Priest- 
hood, is because Melchisedek was such a great High 
Priest. 

3. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, 
after the order of the Son of God ; 

4. But out of respect or reverence to the name of 
the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition 
of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called 
that Priesthood after Melchisedek, or the Melchisedek 
Priesthood. 

d, see a, Sec. 59. 
a, 84 : 6—41. 



384 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVIL 

5. All other authorities or offices in the church 
are ^appendages to this Priesthood ; 

6. But there are two divisions or grand heads — one 
is the Melchisedek Priesthood, and the other is the 
Aaronic, or Levitical priesthood. 

7. The office of an c elder comes under the Priest- 
hood of Melchisedek. 

8. The Melchisedek Priesthood holds the right of 
Presidency, and has power and authority d over all the 
offices in the church in all ages of the world, to admin- 
ister in spiritual things. 

9. The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the 
order of Melchisedek, have a right to officiate in all the 
offices in the church. 

10. High Priests after the order of the Melchisedek 
Priesthood, have a right to officiate in their own standing, 
under the direction of the Presidency, in administering 
spiritual things ; and also in the office of an elder, priest, 
(of the Levitical order,) teacher, deacon, and member. 

11. An elder has a right to officiate in his stead 
when the High Priest is not present. 

12. The High Priest and elder are to administer in 
spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and com- 
mandments of the church ; and they have a right to 
officiate in all these offices of the church when there 
are no higher authorities present. 

13. The second priesthood is called the priesthood 
of e Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his 
seed, throughout all their generations. 

14. Why it is called the lesser priesthood, is because 
it is an ^appendage to the greater or the Melchisedek 
Priesthood, and has power in administering outward 
ordinances. 

15. The bishopric is the presidency of this priest- 
hood and holds the keys or authority of the same. 

b, vers. 6—20. 81 : 18—30. c, vers. 11, 12, 89. d, vers. 

61, 65. e, Si : 27. /, ver. 5. 



SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 385 

16. No man has a legal right to this office, to hold 
the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal de- 
scendant of Aaron. 

17. But as a High Priest of the Melchisedek Priest- 
hood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, 
he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal 
descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is 
called and set apart and ordained unto this power by 
the hands of the ^Presidency of the Melchisedek Priest- 
hood. 

18. The power and authority of the Higher or Mel- 
chisedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the 
spiritual blessings of the church — 

19. To have the privilege of receiving the ^mysteries 
of the kingdom of heaven — to have the %eavens opened 
unto them — to commune with the ^general assembly and 
church of the first born, and to enjoy the communion 
and ^presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Media- 
tor of the new covenant. 

20. The power and authority of the lesser, or 
Aaronic priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ^minister- 
ing of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, 
the letter of the gospel — the ^baptism of repentance 
for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and 
commandments. 

21. Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding 
offices growing out of, or appointed of or from among 
those who are ordained to the several offices in these 
two priesthoods. 

t 22. Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, Hhree Presiding 
High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and or- 
dained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, 
faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the 
Presidency of the church. 

23. The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be • 

g, 63 : 15, 19—24. h, 84 : 19—24. i, 84 : 19—24. j, Heb. 

12 : 22-24. k, 84 : 22—24. I, 84 : 26. m, 84 : 27. 

n, seej, Sec. 68. 

C 



386 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVIL 



the Twelve apostles, or special witnesses of the name of 
Christ in all the world ; thus differing from other officers 
in the church in the duties of their calling. 

24. And they form a quorum, °equal in authority 
and power to the three Presidents previously men- 
tioned. 

25. The seventy are also called to preach the gospel, 
and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all 
the world. Thus differing from other officers in the 
church in the duties of their calling ; 

26. And they form a quorum ^equal in authority 
to that of the Twelve special witnesses or apostles just 
named. 

27. And every decision made by either of these 
quorums, must be by the unanimous voice of the same ; 
that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed 
to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the 
same power or validity one with the other. 

28. (A majority may form a quorum, when circum- 
stances render it impossible to be otherwise.) 

29. Unless this is the case, their decisions are not 
entitled to the same blessings which the decisions of a 
quorum of three Presidents were anciently, who were 
ordained after the order of Melchisedek, and were 
righteous and holy men. 

30. The decisions of these quorums, or either of 
them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, 
and lowliness of heart, meekness and long-suffering, 
and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, 
patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity ; 

31. Because the promise is, if these things abound 
in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge 
of the Lord. 

32. And in case that any decision of these quorums 
is made in ^unrighteousness, it may be brought before 

o, vers. 38, 37. p, ver. 23. q, an Appeal may be had before 

a general assembly of councils. ~— 



: 



SEC. Cm] COMMANDMENTS. 387 

a general assembly of the several quorums, winch con- 
stitute the spiritual authorities of the church, other- 
wise there can be no appeal from their decision. 

33. The Twelve are a traveling presiding High 
Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the 
direction of the Presidency of the church, agreeable to 
the institution of heaven ; to build up the church, and 
regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations ; r first 
unto the Gentiles, and ^secondly unto the Jews. 

34. The Seventy are to act in the name of the 
Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the travel- 
ing High Council, in building up the church and regu- 
lating all the affairs of the same in all nations — first 
unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews ; 

35. The Twelve being sent out, holding the keys, 
to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of 
Jesus Christ — and first unto the Gentiles and then unto 
the Jews. 

36. The standing High Councils, at the Stakes of 
Zion, form a quorum w equal in authority, in the affairs 
of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of 
the Presidency, or to the traveling High Council. 

37. The High Council in Zion, form a quorum v equal 
in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their 
decisions, to the Councils of the Twelve at the Stakes 
of Zion. 

38. It is the duty of the traveling High Council to 
call upon the ^seventy, when they need assistance, to 
fill the several calls for preaching and administering the 
gospel, instead of any others. 

39. It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large 
branches of the church, to ordain ^evangelical minis- 
ters, as they shall be designated unto them by revela- 
tion. 

40. The order of this Priesthood was confirmed to 

r, see o, Sec. 18. 8, see o, Sec. 18. t, vers. 25, 26, 35, 38, 90, 

93—98. u, ver. 37. v, ver. 30. w t ver. 34. 

a?, Patriarchs. 



388 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVH, 

be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs 
to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom 
the promises were made. 

41. This order was instituted in the days of Adam, 
and came down by lineage in the following man- 
ner : — 

42. From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by 
Adam at the age of 69 years, and was blessed by him 
three years previous to his (Adam's) death, and re- 
ceived the promise of God by his father, that his pos- 
terity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they 
should be preserved unto the end of the earth, 

43. Because he (Seth) was a perfect man, and his 
likeness was the express likeness of his father's, inso- 
much that he seemed to be like unto his father in all 
things, and could be distinguished from him only by 
his age. 

44. Enos was ordained at the age of 134 years and 
four months, by the hand of Adam. 

45. God called upon Cainan in the wilderness, in 
the fortieth year of his age, and he met Adam in 
journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was 87 years 
old when he received his ordination. 

46. Mahalaleel was 496 years and seven days old 
when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also 
blessed him. 

47. Jared was 200 years old w T hen he was ordained 
under the hand of Adam, who also blessed him. 

48. Enoch was 25 years old when he was ordained 
under the hand of Adam, and he was 65 and Adam 
blessed him. 

49. And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, 
and was before his face continually ; and he walked 
with God 365 years, making him 430 years old when he 
was translated. 

50. Methuselah was 100 years old when he was or- 
dained under the hand of Adam. 



SEC 1 . CVI1.J COMMANDMENTS. 389 

51. Lamech was 32 years old when he was ordained 
under the hand of Seth. 

52. Noah was 10 years old when he was ordained 
under the hand of Methuselah. 

53. Three years previous to the death of Adam, he 
called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, 
and Methuselah, who were all 2/High Priests, with the 
residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the 
valley of *Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon 
them his last blessing. 

54. And the Lord ^appeared unto them, and they 
rose up and blessed Adam, and called him 26 Michael, 
the Prince, the Archangel. 

55. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, 
and said unto him, I have set thee to be at the head — 
a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art 
a 2c prince over them for ever. 

56. And Adam stood up in the midst of the congre- 
gation, and notwithstanding he was bowed down with 
age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever 
should befall his posterity unto the 2d latest gener- 
ation. 

57. These things were all written in the book of 
Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time. 

58. It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and 
set in order all the other officers of the church, agree- 
able to the revelation which says : 

59. To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in 
addition to the church laws respecting church business— 

60. Verily, I say unto you, says the Lord of hosts, 
there must needs be 2e presiding elders to preside over 
those who are of the office of an elder ; 

61. And also priests to preside over those who are 
of the office of a priest ; 

y, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 13, 14. z, see I, Sec. 78. 2a, Pearl 

of Great Price, p. 18. 2fr, 78 : 16. 2c, 78 : 16. Dan. 12 : 1. 

2d, Pearl of Great Price, p. 14. 2e, vers. 89, 90. 



S90 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVn. 

62. And also teachers to preside over those who aro 
of the office of a teacher ; in like manner, and also the 
deacons ; 

63. Wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from 
teacher to priest, and from priest to elder, severally as 
they are appointed, according to the covenants and 
commandments of the church. 

64. Then comes the ^High Priesthood, which is the 
greatest of all ; 

65. Wherefore it must needs be that one be 
appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the 
Priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High 
Priesthood of the church ; 

66. Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest 
over the High Priesthood of the church. 

67. From the same comes the administering of ordi- 
nances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on 
of the hands. 

68. Wherefore the office of a bishop is not equal 
unto it ; for the ^office of a bishop is in administering 
all temporal things ; 

69. Nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the 
High Priesthood, unless he is a 2A literal descendant of 
Aaron ; 

70. For unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron 
he cannot hold the keys of that priesthood. 

71. Nevertheless, a High Priest that is after the 
order of Melchisedek, may be Set apart unto the minis- 
tering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them 
by the Spirit of truth, 

72. And also to be a judge in Israel, to do the busi- 
ness of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgress- 
ors upon testimony as it shall be laid before him 
according to the laws, by the assistance of his counsel- 
ors, whom he has chosen, or will choose among the elders 
of the church. 

2/, the Melchisedek. 2g, see k, Sec. 68. 2 A, see k, Sec. 03. 



SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 391 

73. This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal 
descendant of Aaron, but has been ordained to the High 
Priesthood after the order of Melchisedek. 

74. Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge 
among the inhabitants of Zion, or in a Stake of Zion, or 
in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart 
unto this ministry, until the borders of Zion are en- 
larged, and it becomes necessary to have other bishops 
or judges in Zion, or elsewhere ; 

75. And inasmuch as there are other bishops ap- 
pointed they shall act in the same office. 

76. But a literal descendant of Aaron has a legal 
right to the presidency of this priesthood, to the keys 
of this ministry, to act in the office of bishop in- 
dependently, without counselors, except in a case 
where a President of the High Priesthood, after 
the order of Melchisedek, is tried, to sit as a judge 
in Israel. 

77. And the decision of either of these councils, 
agreeable to the commandment which says, 

78. Again, verily, I say unto you, the most impor- 
tant business of the church, and the most difficult cases 
of the church,- inasmuch as there is not satisfaction 
upon the decision of the bishop or judges, it shall be 
handed over and carried up unto the Council of the 
church, before the* Presidency of the High Priest- 
hood ; 

79. And the Presidency of the Council of the High 
Priesthood shall have power to call other High Priests, 
even twelve, to assist as counselors ; and thus the Presi- 
dency of the High Priesthood and its counselors shall 
have power to decide upon testimony according to the 
laws of the church. 

80. And after this decision it shall be had in remem- 
brance no more before the Lord ; for this is the highest 
Council of the church of God, and a final decision upon 
controversies in spiritual matters. 



392 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVIL 

81. There is not any person belonging to the church 
who is exempt from this Council of the church. 

82. And inasmuch as a President of the High 
Priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remem- 
brance before the common council of the church, who 
shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High 
Priesthood ; 

83. And their decision upon his head shall be an 
end of controversy concerning him. 

84. Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice 
and the laws of God, that all things may be done in 
order and in solemnity before him, according to truth 
and righteousness. 

i 85. And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a 
president over the office of a deacon is to preside over 
twelve deacons, to sit in council with them, and to teach 
them their duty — edifying one another, as it is given 
according to the covenants. 

86. And also the duty of the president over the 
office of the teachers is to preside over twenty-four of 
the teachers, and to sit in council with them, teaching 
them the duties of their office, as given in the cove- 
nants. 

87. Also the duty of the president over the priest- 
hood of Aaron is to preside over forty-eight priests, and 
sit in council with them, to teach them the duties of 
their office, as is given in the covenants. 

88. This president is to be a bishop ; for this is one 
of the duties of this priesthood. 

89. Again, the duty of the president over the office 
of elders is to preside over ninety-six elders, and to sit 
in council with them, and to teach them according to 
the covenants. 

90. This presidency is a distinct one from that of 
the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel 
into all the world. 

91. And again, the duty of the President of the 



SEC. CIVIL] COMMANDMENTS. 393 

office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the 
whole church, and to be like unto Moses. 

92. Behold, here is wisdom ; yea, to be a 2 %eer, a 
revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the 
gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the 
church. 

93. And it is according to the vision, showing the 
order of the ^seventy, that they should have seven 
presidents to preside over thern, chosen out of the num- 
ber of the seventy; 

94. And the seventh president of these presidents is 
to preside over the six ; 

95. And these seven presidents are to choose other 
seventy besides the first seventy, to whom they belong, 
and are to preside over them ; 

96. And also other seventy, until seven times 
seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity re- 
quires it. 

97. And these seventy are to be traveling ministers 
unto the Gentiles first, and also unto the Jews ; 

98. Whereas other officers of the church, who be- 
long not unto the Twelve, neither to the seventy, are 
not under the responsibility to travel among all nations, 
but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow, 
notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible 
offices in the church. 

99. Wherefore now let every man learn his duty, 
and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all 
diligence. 

100. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy 
to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows 
himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to 
stand. Even so. Amen. 



2t, 21 : 1. 124 : 94, 125. 2j, Joseph Young is the senior president 

of the seven presidents. 



394 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVIIL 



SECTION 108. 

A Revelation through Joseph Smith, jr., concerning 
Lyman Sherman, given at Kirtland, Geauga 
County, Ohio, December 2Sth, 1835. 

1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant 
Lyman, your sins are forgiven you, because you have 
obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to 
receive counsel of him whom I have appointed. 

2. Therefore, let your soul be at rest concern- 
ing your spiritual standing, and resist no more my 
voice ; 

3. And arise up and be more careful henceforth, in 
observing your vows which you have made, and do 
make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great 
blessings. 

4. Wait patiently until the Solemn assembly shall 
be called of my servants, then you shall be remembered 
with the first of mine elders, and receive right by ordi- 
nation with the rest of mine elders, whom I have 
chosen. 

5. Behold, this is the promise of the Father unto 
you if you continue faithful ; 

6. And it shall be fulfilled upon you in that day 
that you shall have right to preach my gospel where- 
soever I shall send you, from henceforth from that 
time. 

7. Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your 
conversation, in all your prayers, and in all your exhor- 
tations, and in all your doings ; 

8. And behold ! and lo ! I am with you to bless 
you, and deliver you for ever. Amen. 

a, see 2r, Sec. 88. 



SEC. gel] commandments. 395 



SECTION 109. 

The following Prayer was given by revelation to 
Joseph, the Seer, and was repeated in the Kirtland 
Temple at the time of its dedication, March 21th, 
1836. 

1. Thanks be to thy name, Lord God of Israel, 
who keepest covenant and showest mercy unto thy ser- 
vants who walk uprightly before thee, with all their 
hearts ; 

2. Thou who hast ^commanded thy servants to build 
a house to thy name in this place. (Kirtland.) 

3. And now thou beholdest, Lord, that thy ser- 
vants have done according to thy commandment, 

4. And now we ask thee, Holy Father, in the name 
of Jesus Christ, the Son of thy bosom, in whose name 
alone, salvation can be administered to the children of 
men, we ask thee, Lord, to accept of this house, the 
workmanship of the hands of us, thy servants, which 
thou didst command us to build ; 

5. For thou knowest that we have done this work 
through great tribulation ; and out of our poverty we 
have given of our substance, to build a house to thy 
name, that the Son of man might have a place to 
manifest himself to his people. 

6. And as thou hast said in a Revelation, given to 
us, calling us thy friends, saying, " Call your solemn 
assembly, as I have commanded you ; 

7. And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently, and 
teach one another words of wisdom ; yea, seek ye out 
of the best books, words of wisdom, seek learning even 
by study, and also by faith. 

8. Organize yourselves ; prepare every needful 

a, see 3 s, Sec. 88. fc, 88 : 117—120. 



396 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIX. 

thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a 
house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, 
a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God, 

9. That your incomings may be in the name of the 
Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the 
Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of 
the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High." 

10. And now, Holy Father, we ask thee to assist us, 
thy people, with thy grace, in calling our c solemn 
assembly, that it may be done to thy honor, and to thy 
divine acceptance, 

11. And in a manner that we maybe found worthy, 
in thy sight, to secure a fulfillment of the promises 
which thou hast made unto us, thy people, in the reve- 
lations given unto us ; 

12. That thy glory may rest down upon thy people, 
and upon this thy house, which we now dedicate to 
thee, that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be 
holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in 
this house, 

13. And that all people who shall enter upon the 
threshold of the Lord's house, may feel thy power, and 
feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sancti- 
fied it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness. 

14. And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those 
who shall worship in this house, may be taught words 
of wisdom out of the d best books, and that they may 
seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou 
hast said ; 

15. And that they may grow up in thee, and receive 
a fullness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized accord- 
ing to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful 
thing; 

16. And that this house may be a house of prayer, 
a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory 
and of God, even thy house ; 

c, see 2 r, Sec. 88. d, see c, Sec. 55. 



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1 i* 



398 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CtX. 

27. And if any people shall l 'rise against this people, 
that thine anger be kindled against them, 

28. And if they shall smite this people, thou wilt 
smite them, thou wilt fight for thy people as thou didst 
in the day of battle, that they may be delivered from 
the hands of all their enemies. 

29. We ask thee, Holy Father, to confound, and 
astonish, and bring to •'shame and confusion, all those 
who have spread lying reports, abroad, over the world, 
against thy servant, or servants, if they will not repent, 
when the ^everlasting gospel shall be proclaimed in 
their ears, 

30. And that all their works may be brought to 
naught, and be swept away by the *hail, and by the 
judgments which thou wilt send upon them in thine 
anger, that there may be an m end to lyings and slanders 
against thy people ; 

31. For thou knowest, Lord, that thy servants 
have been innocent before thee in bearing record of 
thy name, for which they have suffered these things ; 

32. Therefore we plead before thee a full and com- 
plete deliverance from under this yoke ; 

33. Break it off, Lord ; break it off from the 
necks of thy servants, by thy power, that we may rise 
up in the midst of this generation and do thy work. 

34. Jehovah, have mercy upon this people, and as 
all men sin, forgive the transgressions of thy people, 
and let them be blotted out forever. 

35. Let the n anointing of thy ministers be sealed 
upon them with power from on high ; 

36. Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on 
the day of Pentecost, let the °gift of tongues be poured 
out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and 
the interpretation thereof, 



i, 98 : 34—33. j, Isa. 28 : 15—19. Jer. 16 : 19. 7c, see b, 

Sec. 18. I, see;. m, in. Nep. 21 : 11, 19—21. 29 : 4, 9. Cliap. 

$0. Mor. 8 : 21, 41. n, 124 : 39. o, Acts 2 : 2—12. 



SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 399 

37. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing 
mighty wind, with thy glory. 

38. Put upon thy servants the testimony of the 
covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word, 
they may ^seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy 
saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in 
thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because 
of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in 
the day of trouble. 

39. And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, 
and the people of that city receive their testimony, let 
thy peace and thy salvation be upon that city, that 
they may ^gather out of that city the righteous, that 
they may come forth to Zion, or to her Stakes, the 
places of thine appointment, with songs of everlasting 

joy; 

40. And until this be accomplished, let not thy 
judgments fall upon that city. 

41. And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, 
and the people of that city receive not the testimony of 
thy servants, and thy servants warn them to save them- 
selves from this untoward generation, let it be upon 
r that city according to that which thou hast spoken by 
the mouths of thy prophets ; 

42. But deliver thou,0 Jehovah, we beseech thee, thy 
servants from their hands, and cleanse them from their 
blood. 

43. Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our 
fellow men ! their souls are precious before thee ; 

44. But thy word must be fulfilled ; help thy ser- 
vants to say, with thy grace assisting them, thy will be 
done, Lord, and not ours. 

45. We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth 
of thy prophets terrible things concerning the wicked, 
in the last days — that thou wilt pour out thy judg- 
ments, without measure ; 

p t see tf, Sec. 1. q, see ;, Sec. 10. r, see / and g, Sec. 1. 



400 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIX. 

4G. Therefore, Lord, deliver thy people from the 
calamity of the wicked ; enable thy servants to *seal up 
the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be 
prepared against the day of burning. 

47. We ask thee, Holy Father, to remember those 
who have been driven (by the inhabitants of Jackson 
County, Missouri) from the lands of their inheritance, 
and break off, Lord, this yoke of affliction that has 
been put upon them. 

48. Thou knowest, Lord, that they have been 
greatly oppressed and afflicted by wicked men, and our 
hearts flow out with sorrow, because of their grievous 
burdens. 

49. Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this people 
to bear this affliction, and the cries of their innocent 
ones to ascend up in thine ears, and their blood come 
up in testimony before thee, and not make a display of 
thy testimony in their behalf ? 

50. Have mercy, Lord, upon that wicked mob, 
who have driven thy people, that they may cease to 
spoil, that they may repent of their sins, if repentance 
is to be found ; 

51. But if they will not, make bare thine arm, 
Lord, and ^redeem that which thou didst appoint a 
Zion unto thy people ! 

52. And if it cannot be otherwise, that the cause of 
thy people may not fail before thee, w may thine anger 
be kindled, and thine indignation fall upon them, that 
they may be wasted away, both root and branch, from 
under heaven ; 

53. But inasmuch as they will repent, thou art 
gracious and merciful, and wilt turn away thy wrath, 
when thou lookest upon the face of thine anointed. 

54. Have mercy, Lord, upon all the nations of 
the earth, have mercy upon the rulers of our land, may 
those principles which were so honorably and nobly 

s, see d, Sec. 1. t, see h, Sec. 103. Iaa. 1 : 27. - w, 105 : 14, 15. 



SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 401 

defended, viz., the ^Constitution of our land, by our 
fathers, be established for ever ; 

55. Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles, 
and the great ones of the earth, and all people, and the 
churches, all the poor, the needy, and afflicted ones of 
the earth, 

56. That their hearts may be softened, when thy 
servants shall go out from thy house, Jehovah, to 
bear testimony of thy name, that their prejudices may 
give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain 
favor in the sight of all, 

57. That all the ends of the earth may know that 
we thy servants have ™heard thy voice, and that thou 
hast sent us, 

58. That from among all these, thy servants the 
sons of Jacob may gather out the righteous to build 
a ^holy city to thy name, as thou hast commanded them. 

59. We ask thee to appoint unto Zion other ^Stakes, 
besides this one which thou hast appointed, that the 
gathering of thy people may roll on in great power and 
majesty, that thy work may be cut short in righteous- 
ness. 

60. Now these -words, Lord, we have spoken be- 
fore thee, concerning the revelations and command- 
ments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified 
with the Gentiles ; 

61. But thou knowest that thou hast a great love 
for the children of Jacob, who have been scattered 
upon the mountains, for a long time, in a cloudy and 
dark day ; 

62. We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon the 
children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from *this hour, 
may begin to be redeemed, 

63. And the yoke of bondage may begin to be 
broken off from the house of David, 

v, see a, Sec. 98. w, 20 : 16. 7G : 14, 22—21. x, the city 

New Jerusalem or Zion. y, see a, Sec. 88. z, 45 : 26 

1) D 



402 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIX. 

64. And the children of Judah may begin to return 
to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, their 
father ; 

65. And cause that the 2a rernnants of Jacob, who 
have been cursed and smitten, because of their trans- 
gression, be converted from their wild and savage con- 
dition, to the fullness of the everlasting gospel, 

66. That they may lay down their weapons of 
bloodshed, and cease their rebellions ; 

67. And may all the scattered remnants of Israel, 
who have been driven to the ends of the earth, come 
to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, 
and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before 
thee. 

68. Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, 
junior, and all his afflictions and persecutions, how he 
has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, 
mighty God of Jacob, and the commandments which 
thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely 
striven to do thy will. 

69. Have mercy, Lord, upon his wife and chil- 
dren, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and 
preserved by thy fostering hand ; 

70. Have mercy upon all their immediate con- 
nexions, that their prejudices may be broken up, and 
swept away as with a flood, that they may be converted 
and redeemed w T ith Israel, and know that thou art 
God. 

71. Remember, Lord, the presidents, even all the 
presidents of thy church, that thy right hand may 
exalt them, with all their families, and their immediate 
connexions, that their names may be perpetuated, and 
had in everlasting remembrance, from generation to 
generation. 

72. Remember all thy church, Lord, with all 
their families, and all their immediate connexions, with 

2 a, American Indians. 



SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS, 403 

all their sick and afflicted ones, with all the poor and 
meek of the earth, that the 26 kingdom which thou hast 
set up without hands, may become a great mountain, 
and till the whole earth ; 

73. That thy 2c church may come forth out of the 
wilderness of darkness, and shine forth 2(? fair as the 
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with 
banners, 

74. And be adorned as a bride for that day when 
thou shalt 2 *unvail the heavens, and cause the ^moun- 
tains to flow down at thy presence, and the valleys to 
be exalted, the rough places made smooth ; that thy 
glory may fill the earth, 

75. That when the trump shall sound 2 ^for the dead 
we shall be caught up in the cloud to meet thee, that 
we may ever be with the Lord, 

76. That our garments may be pure, that we may 
be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, w r ith palms 
in our hands, and crowms of glory upon our heads, and 
reap eternal joy for all our sufferings. 

77. Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our 
petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy holy habita- 
tion, where thou sittest enthroned, with glory, honor, 
power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judg- 
ment, mercy, and an infinity of fullness, from everlast 
ing to everlasting. 

78. hear, hear, hear us, Lord, and answer 
these petitions, and accept the dedication of this house 
unto thee, the work of our hands, which we have built 
unto thy name ! 

79. And also this church, to put upon it thy name ; 
and help us by the power of thy Spirit, that we may 
mingle our voices with those bright, shining seraphs 
around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing, 
Hosanna to God and the Lamb ; 



lb, see x, Sec. 35. 2 c, see 0, Sec. 1. 2d, see i, Sec. 5. 

It, see c, Sec 1. 2/, 133 : 44. 2<j y see m, Sec. 29. 



404 COVENANTS AND [SEO. CX. 

80. And let these thine 2A anointed ones be clothed 
with salvation, and thy saints shout aloud for joy. 
Amen, and Amen. 



SECTION 110. 



Visions manifested to Joseph, the Seer, and Oliver Coiv- 
dery in the Kirtland Temple, April 3rd, 1836. 

1. The a yail was taken from our minds, and the eyes 
of our understanding were opened. 

2. We 6 saw the Lord standing upon the breast work 
of the pulpit, before us, and under his feet was a paved 
work of pure gold in color like amber. 

3. His eyes were as a flame of fire, the hair of his 
head was white like the pure snow, his countenance 
shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice 
was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even 
the voice of Jehovah, saying — 

4. I am the first and the last, I am he who liveth, 
I am he who was slain, I am your c advocate with the 
Father. : 

5. Behold, your sins are forgiven you, you are clean 
before me, therefore lift up your heads and rejoice, 

6. Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let 
the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with 
their might, built this house to my name, 

7. For behold, I have accepted this house, and my 
name shall be here, and I will manifest myself to my 
people in mercy in this house, 

2/i, ver. 35. 124 : 39. 



a, Isa. 25 ; 7. &, see o, Sec. 50. c, see c, Sec. 45. 



SEC. OX.] COMMANDMENTS, 405 

S. Yea, I will (f appear unto my servants, and speak 
unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep 
my commandments, and do not pollute this holy 
house, 

9. Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thou- 
sands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the bless- 
ings which shall be poured out, and the ^endowment 
with which my servants have been endowed in this 
house ; 

10. And the fame of this house shall spread to 
foreign lands, and this is the beginning of the blessing 
which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. 
Even so. Amen. 

11. After this vision closed, the heavens were agaijf 
opened unto us, and Moses appeared before us, and com- 
mitted unto us the -'keys of the gathering of Israel 
from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of 
the ^ten tribes from the land of the north. 

12. After this, ^Elias appeared, and committed the 
dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying, that in 
us, and l 'our seed, all generations after us should be 
blessed. 

13. After this vision had closed, another great and 
glorious vision burst upon us, for •''Elijah the prophet, 
w r ho was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood 
before us, and said — 

14. Behold, the time has fully come, which was 
spoken of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying that he 
(Elijah) should be sent before the great and dreadful 
day of the Lord come, 

15. To turn the hearts of the ^fathers to the chil- 
dren, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole 
earth be smitten with a curse. 

16. Therefore the keys of this dispensation are COm- 
cf, see o, Sec. 50. e, see x, Sec. 38. /, 45 : 43. 133 : 13. 

a, Keys given to this kingdom, through the Prophet, to lead the ten tribes. 
h, see g, Sec. 27. i, 124 : 57, 58. ;', see a, Sec. 2. k, Bee C, 

Sec. 2. 



406 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXI. 

mitted into your hands, and by this ye may know that 
the great and dreadful day of the Lord is z near, even 
at the doors. 



SECTION 111. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, August 
6th, 1836. 

1. I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with 
your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies ; 

2. I have much treasure in this city for you, for 
the benefit of Zion ; and many people in this city whom 
I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, 
through your instrumentality ! 

3. Therefore it is expedient that you should form 
acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be 
led, and as it shall be given you ; 

4. And it shall come to pass in due time, that I 
will give this city into your hands, that you shall 
have power over it, insomuch that they shall not dis- 
cover your secret parts ; and its wealth pertaining to 
gold and silver shall be yours. 

5. Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I 
will give you power to pay them. 

6. Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will 
deal mercifully with her. 

7. Tarry in this place, and in the regions round 
about ; 

8. And the place where it is my will that you 
should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you 
by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow 
unto you. 

l t see e, Sec. 1. 



SEC. CXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 407 

9. This place you may obtain by hire, &c. And 
inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabi- 
tants and founders of this city ^ 

10. For there are more treasures than one for you 
in this city ; 

11. Therefore be ye as wise as serpents and yet 
without sin, and I will order all things for your good, 
as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen. 



SECTION 112. 



The word of the Lord, given through Joseph, the Pro- 
phet, unto Thomas B. Marsh, at Kirtland, July 
23rd, 1837, concerning the Twelve Apostles of the 
Lamb. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant 
Thomas, I have heard thy prayers, and thine alms have 
come up as a memorial before me, in behalf of those 
thy brethren who were chosen to bear testimony of my 
name, and to a send it abroad among all nations, kin- 
dreds, tongues, and people, and ordained through the 
instrumentality of my servants. 

2. Verily I say unto you, there have been some few 
things in thine heart and with thee with which I, the 
Lord, was not well pleased ; 

3. Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thy- 
self thou shalt be exalted ; therefore all thy sins are 
forgiven thee. 

4. Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face, 
and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto 
the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews ; and thou shalt 
send forth my word unto the ends of the earth. 

a, see q t Sec. 18. 



408 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXII. 

5. Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning, 
and day after day let thy warning voice go forth, and 
when the night cometh, let not the inhabitants of the 
earth slumber because of thy speech. 

6. Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and remove 
not thy house, for I, the Lord, have a great work for 
thee to do, in publishing my name among the children 
of men ; 

7. Therefore, gird up thy loins for the Work. Let 
thy feet be shod also, for thou art chosen, and thy path 
lieth among the mountains, and among many nations ; 

8. And by thy word many high ones shall be 
brought low, and by thy word many low ones shall be 
exalted. 

9. Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor, 
and at thy rebuke let the tongue of the slanderer cease 
its perverseness. 

10. Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall 
lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy 
prayers. 

11. I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers 
concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them 
in love above many others, but let thy love be for them 
as for thyself ; and let thy love abound unto all men, . 
and unto all who love my name. 

f 12. And pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Ad- 
monish them sharply for my name's sake, and let them 
be admonished for all their sins, and be ye faithful be- 
fore me unto my name. 

13. And after their temptations, and much tribula- 
tion, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if 
they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their 
necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will 
heal them. 

14. Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, 
I say unto all the ^Twelve, Arise and gird up your 

&, John 21 : 15—17. 



SEC. CXII.] commandments. 409 

loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my 
sheep. 

15. Exalt not yourselves ; rebel not against my ser- 
vant Joseph, for verily I say unto you, I am with him, 
and my hand shall be over him ; and the c keys which 
I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not 
be taken from him till I come. 

16. Verily I say unto you, my servant Thomas, 
Thou art the man whom I have chosen to hold the keys 
of my kingdom (as pertaining to the Twelve) abroad 
among all nations, 

17. That thou mayest be my servant to unlock the 
door of the kingdom in all places where my servant 
Joseph, and my servant Sidney, and my servant Hyrum, 
cannot come ; 

18. For on them have I laid the burden of all the 
churches for a little season ; 

19. Wherefore, whithersoever they shall send you, 
go ye, and I will be with you ; and in whatsoever place 
ye shall proclaim my name, an effectual door shall be 
opened unto you, that they may receive my word ; j 

20. Whosoever receiveth my word receiveth me, 
and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth those (the First 
Presidency) whom I have sent, whom I have made 
counselors for my name's sake unto you. 

21. And again, I say unto you, That whosoever ye 
shall send in my name, by the voice of your brethren, 
the Twelve, duly recommended and authorized by you, 
shall have ^power to open the door of my kingdom unto 
any nation whithersoever ye shall send them, . -' 

22. Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves 
before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the 
voice of my Spirit. 

23. Verily, verily I say unto you, e Darkness covereth 
the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, 
and fall flesh has bec ome corrupt before my face. 

c, see b, Sec. 28. d, 107 : 34, 35, 38, 95—98. e, Isa. 60 : 2. 

/, 38 ; 10-12. 



410 



COVENANTS AND 



[sec. cxii. 



24. Behold, ^vengeance cometh speedily upon the 
inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of 
burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, 
and of lamentation, and as a whirlwind it shall come 
upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. 

25. And upon my house A shall it begin, and from 
my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord. 

26. First among those among you, saith the Lord, 
who have professed to know my name and have not 
known me, and have blasphemed against me in the 
midst of my house, saith the Lord. 

27. Therefore, see to it that ye trouble not your- 
selves concerning the affairs of my church in this place, 
saith the Lord ; 

28. But purify your hearts before me, and then %o 
ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every 
creature who has not received it, 

29. And -^he that believeth and is baptized shall be 
saved, and he that believeth not, and is not baptized, 
shall be damned. 

30. For unto you, (the Twelve,) and those (the 
First Presidency) who are appointed with you, to be 
your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this 
Priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, 
in the which is the ^dispensation of the fullness of 
times. 

31. Which power you hold in connection with all 
those who have received a dispensation at any time from 
the beginning of the creation ; 

32. For verily I say unto you, the *keys of the dis- 
pensation which ye have received, have come down from 
the fathers ; and last of all, being sent down from 
heaven unto you. 

33. Verily I say unto you, Behold how great is 
your calling. Cleanse your hearts and your garments, 



g, see / and g, Sec. 1. h, I. Pet. 4 : 17, 18. i, see q t Sec. 18. 
;, see q, Sec. 20. k, see n, Sec. 27. I, see b, Sec. 28. 



SEC. CXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 411 

lest the blood of this generation be required at your 
hands. 

34. Be faithful until I come, for I ™come quickly, 
and my reward is with me to recompense every man 
according as his w r ork shall be. I am Alpha and Omega. 
Amen. 



SECTION 113. 



Answers by revelation to certain Questions on Scripture, 
given through Joseph, the Seer, March, 1838. 

1. Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of 
Isaiah ? 

2. Verity thus saith the Lord, it is Christ. 

3. What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of 
the 11th chapter of Isaiah that should come of the 
Stem of Jesse ? 

4. Behold thus saith the Lord, it is a servant in the 
hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as 
well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on 
whom there is laid much power. 

5. What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th 
verse of the 11th chapter? 

6. Behold thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of 
Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs 
the Priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom, for an 
"ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last 
days. 

7. Questions by Elias Higbee, as follows — "What 
is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52nd chapter, 1st 

m, see e, Sec. 1. 



a, see i, Sec. 45. 



412 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXIV. 

verse, which saith, put on thy strength Zion ? And 
what people had Isaiah reference to ? " 

8. He had reference to those whom God should 
call in the last days, who should hold the power of 
Priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of 
Israel ; and to put on her strength is to put on the 
authority of the Priesthood, which she (Zion) has a 
right to by lineage ; also to return to that power which 
she had lost. 

9. " What are we to understand by Zion's loosing 
herself from the bands of her neck, 2nd verse ? " 

10. We are to understand that the scattered rem- 
nants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence 
they have fallen, which if they do, the promise of the 
Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them reve- 
lation. See the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. The bands 
of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the 
remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among 
the Gentiles. 



SECTION 114. 



Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, at Fa/r 
West, Caldwell County, Missouri, April Ylth, 1838. 

1. Verily thus saith the Lord, it is wisdom in my 
servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his 
business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposi- 
tion of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission 
unto me next spring, in company with others, even 
Twelve, including himself, to testify of my name, and 
bear glad tidings unto all the world ; 

2. For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as 
there are those among you who a deny my name, others 

a, 118 : 1, 6. 



SEC. CXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 413 

shall be planted in their stead, and receive their bishop- 
ric. Amen. 



SECTION 115. 



Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, at Far West, 
Missouri, April 26th, 1838, making known the will 
of God concerning the building up of this place, and 
of the Lord's House, <bc. 

1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant 
Joseph Smith, jr., and also my servant Sidney Rigdon, 
and also my servant Hyrum Smith, and your coun- 
selors who are and shall be appointed hereafter ; 

2. And also unto you my servant Edward Partridge, 
and his counselors ; 

3. And also unto my faithful servants, who are of 
the High Council of my church in Zion (for thus it 
shall be called,) and unto all the elders and people of 
my church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scat- 
tered abroad in all the world ; 

4. For thus shall a mj church be called in the last 
days, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints. 

5. Verily I say unto you all, Arise and shine forth, 
that thy light may be a ^standard for the nations, 

6. And that the gathering together upon the land 
of Zion, and upon her Stakes, may be for a c defence, 
and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when 
it shall be d poured out without mixture upon the whole 
earth. 

7. Let the city, Far West, be a holy and consecrated 

a, see a, Sec 1. b, see i, Sec. 45. c, 45 : 62—71. d, see/ 

and g t Sec. 1. 



414 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXV. 

land unto me, and it shall be called most holy, for the 
ground upon which thou standest is holy ; 

8. Therefore I command you to build an house unto 
me, for the gathering together of my saints, that they 
may worship me ; 

9. And let there be a beginning of this work, and 
a foundation, and a preparatory work, this following 
summer ; 

10. And let the beginning be made on the 4th day 
of July next, and from that time forth let my people 
labor diligently to build an house unto my name, 

11. And in one year from this day let them e re-com- 
mence laying the foundation of my house : 

12. Thus let them from that time forth labor dili- 
gently until it shall be finished, from the corner stone 
thereof unto the top thereof, until there shall not any 
thing remain that is not finished. 

13. Verily I say unto you, let not my servant Joseph, 
neither my servant Sidney, neither my servant Hyrum, 
get in debt any more for the building of an house unto 
my name ; 

14. But let an house be built unto my name accord- 
ing to the ^pattern which I will show unto them. 

15. And if my people build it not according to the 
pattern which I shall show unto their Presidency, I will 
not accept it at their hands ; 

16. But if my people do build it according to the 
pattern which I shall show unto their Presidency, even 
my servant Joseph and his counselors, then I will accept 
it at the hands of my people. 

17. And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will 
that the city of Far West should be built up speedily 
by the gathering of my saints, 

18. And also that other places should be appointed 

e, Before the year expired the saints were driven out of Missouri. But 
the Twelve laid the corner stone very early in the morning of the 26th of 
April, 1839, before the mob were awake. 124 : 49—54. /, see e. ^ 



SEC. CXTL, CXVII.] COMMANDMENT?. 415 

for Stakes in the regions round about, as they shall be 
manifest unto my servant Joseph, from time to time ; 

19. For behold, I will be with him, and I will 
sanctify him before the people, for unto him have I 
given the ^keys of this kingdom and ministry. Even 
so. Amen. 



SECTION 116. 



Revelation to Joseph, t/ie Seer, given n.ear Wight's 
Ferry, at a place called Spring Hill, Davis County, 
Missouri, May l§th, 1838, wherein Spring Hill is 
named by the Lord, 

1. °Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the 
place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or 
the ^Ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel 
the prophet. 



SECTION 117. 



Jtevelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, concerning 
William Maries, Newel K. Whitney, Oliver Granger, 
and others. Far West, Missouri, July 8th, 1838. 

1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servant 
William Marks, and also unto my servant N. K. Whit- 
ney, let them settle up their business speedily and 

g, see b, Sec. 28. 



a, see l> Sec. 78. 6, Dan. 7 : 9—14, ; 



416 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXVII. 

journey from the land of Kirtland, before I, the Lord, 
send again the snows upon the earth ; 

2. Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and 
not tarry, for I, the Lord, command it; 

3. Therefore if they tarry it shall not be well with 
them 

4. Let them repent of all their sins, and of all 
their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord, for 
what is property unto me, saith the Lord ? 

5. Let the properties of Kirtland be turned out for 
debts, saith the Lord. Let them go, saith the Lord, 
and whatsoever remaineth, let it remain in your hands, 
saith the Lord ; 

6. For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the 
fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have 
I not made the earth ? Do I not hold the destinies of 
all the armies of the nations of the earth? 

7. Therefore will I not make Solitary places to bud 
and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance, saith 
the Lord. 

8. Is there not room enough upon the ^mountains 
of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and upon the plains of Olaha 
Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you 
should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect 
the more weighty matters ? 

9. Therefore come up hither unto the land of my 
people, even Zion. 

10. Let my servant William Marks be faithful over 
a few things, and he shall be a ruler over many. Let 
him preside in the midst of my people in the city Far 
West, and let him be blessed with the blessings of my 
people. 

11. Let my servant N. K. Whitney be ashamed of 
the Nicholatine band and of all their secret abomina- 
tions, and of all his littleness of soul before me, saith 

a, Great American Desert and extensive prairies, then unsettled 
% the great Rocky Mountains, the valleys of which were then unsettled. 



SEC. CXVin.] COMMANDMENTS. 417 

the Lord, and come up to the land of "Adam-ondi- 
Ahman, and be a bishop unto my people, saith the 
Lord, not in name but in deed, saith the Lord. 

12. And again, I say unto you, I remember my 
servant Oliver Granger, behold, verily I say unto him, 
that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from 

feneration to generation, for ever and ever, saith the 
jord. 

13. Therefore let him contend earnestly for the re- 
demption of the First Presidency of my church, saith 
the Lord, and when he falls he shall rise again, for his 
sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me, than his in- 
crease, saith the Lord : 

14. Therefore let him come up hither speedily, unto 
the land of Zion, and in the due time he shall be made 
a merchant unto my name, saith the Lord, for the 
benefit of my people • 

15. Therefore let no man despise my servant Oliver 
Granger, but let the blessings of my people be on him 
for ever and ever. 

16. And again, verily I say unto you, let all my 
servants in -the land of Kirtland remember the Lord 
their God, and mine house also, to keep and preserve 
it holy, and to overthrow the money changers in mine 
own due time, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen, 



SECTION 118. 



Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, at Far 
West, Missouri, July Sth, 1838, in answer to the 
question, "Show us thy will, Loi*d, concerning 
the Twelve V y 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, let a conference be 
held immediately, let the Twelve be organized, and let 

c, see I, Sec. 78. 

E E 



418 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXDC 

men be appointed to ^supply the place of those who are 
fallen. 

2. Let my servant Thomas remain for a season in 
the land of Zion, to publish my word. 

3. Let the residue continue to preach from that 
hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, 
in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the 
Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for 
their families, and an effectual door shall be opened for 
them, from henceforth ; 

4. And next spring let them depart to go over the 
great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the full- 
ness thereof, and bear record of my name. 

5. Let them take leave of my saints in the city Far 
West, on the 26th day of April next, on the building 
spot of my house, saith the Lord. 

6. Let my servant John Taylor, and also my ser- 
vant John E. Page, and also my servant Wilford 
Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Richards, be 
appointed & to fill the places of those who have fallen, 
and be officially notified of their appointment. 



SECTION 119. 



Revelation given through Joseph, the Prophet, at Far 
West, Missouri, July 8th, 1838, in answer to the ques- 
tion, Lord, show unto thy servants hvw much thou 
requirest of the properties of the people for a tithing ? 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require a all their 
surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop 
of my church of Zion, 

a, ver. 6. 114 : 2. b, ver. 1. 114 : 2. 

a, see n % Sec. 42. 



SEC. CXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 419 

2. For the building of mine house, and for the 
laying of the foundation of Zion and for the Priesthood, 
and for the debts of the Presidency of my church ; 

3. And this shall be the ^beginning of the tithing 
of my people ; 

4. And after that, those who have thus been tithed, 
shall pay c one-tenth of all their interest annually ; and 
this shall be a *$t&ndinff law unto them for ever, for 
my holy Priesthood, saitn the Lord. 

5. Verilv I say unto you, it shall come to pass, that 
all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be 
tithed of their 'surplus properties, and shall observe 
this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide 
among you. 

6. And I say unto you. if my people observe not 
this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the 
land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judg- 
ments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, 
behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of 
Zion unto you ; 

7. And this shall be an ensample unto ^all the 
Stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 120. 

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer f at Far West, 
Missouri, July l&th, 18S8, making known the dis- 
position of property tithings, as named in the reve- 
lation given on the Sth inst. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is noi? 

6, see n, Sec. 42. c. 64 : 25. 97 : 11, 12. L#*. 27 : £5, S3. Nina. 

18 : 26. Dent. 12 : 17. 1* : SB, 28. n. Chroa. 31 : *, 8, 13. Neh. 12 ; 44. 13 : 
5,12. 10:37,38. Matt. 13 : 24. Deu*. 14: 22. 26:12. Lufce 11 : *2. 18: 
12. Gen. 14 : 20. Ler. 27 : 81. Nura. 18 : 24, 2<5, 58. Deufe. 12 : 6, 11. 26: 
1€. Aract 4 : 4. Eal. ft : 8> 1«. Heb. 7 : & 6, 8, 0. *, tithing, * 

Sindintf lat7- Sot #ver. e % see n, Sec 42. /, a law not only lor 

on, but for all her Stakes. 



420 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXI. 

come, that it shall be disposed of by a Council, com- 
posed of the First Presidency of my church, and of the 
bishop and his council, and by my High Council ; and 
by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord. Even 
so. Amen. 



SECTION 121. 



A Prayer and Prophecies, written by Joseph, the Seer, 
while in Liberty jail, Clay County, Missouri, March 
20th, 1839. 

1. God ! where art thou ? And where is the 
pavilion that covereth thy a hiding place ? 

2. How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine 
eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens, 
the wrongs of thy people, and of thy servants, and thine 
ear be penetrated with their cries ? 

3. Yea, Lord, how long shall they suffer these 
wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart 
shall be softened towards them, and thy bowels be moved 
with compassion towards them ? 

4. Lord God Almighty, Maker of the heaven, 
earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are and 
who controlleth and subjecteth the devil, and the dark 
and benighted dominion of Shayole ! Stretch forth thy 
hand ; let thine eye pierce ; let thy pavilion be taken 
up ; let thy & hiding place no longer be covered ; let 
thine ear be inclined ; let thine heart be softened, and 
thy bowels moved with compassion towards us ; 

5. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies ; 
and in the fury of thine heart, with thy c sword avenge 
us of our wrongs ; 

I a, see 3j, Sec. 101. &, see 3j, Sec. 101. c, see / and g } Sec. 1. 



SEC. CXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 421 

6. Remember thy suffering saints, our God ! and 
thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever. 

7. My son, peace be unto thy soul ; thine adversity 
and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment ; 

8. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall 
exalt thee on high ; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes ; 

9. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail 
thee again, with warm hearts and friendly hands ; 

10. Thou art not yet as Job ; thy friends do not 
contend against thee, neither charge thee with trans- 
gression^as they did Job ; 

11. And they who do charge thee with transgression, 
their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects shall 
melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the burning 
rays of the rising sun ; 

12. And also that God hath set to his hand and 
seal, to change the times and seasons, and to blind 
their minds, that they may not understand rf his marvel- 
ous workings ; that he may prove them also, and take 
them in their own craftiness ; 

13. Also because their hearts are corrupted, and the 
things which they are willing to bring upon others, and 
love to have others suffer, may come upon themselves, 
to the very uttermost ; 

14. That they may be disappointed also, and their 
hopes may be cut off ; 

15. And not many years hence, that they and their 
posterity shall be *swept from under heaven, saith God, 
that not one of them is left to stand by the wall : 

16. -^Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel 
against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they 
have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith 
the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine 
eyes, and which I commanded them ; 

17. But those who cry transgression, do it because 

d, see a, Sec. 4. e, Terrible judgments pronounced upon apostates. 

/, apostates cursed. 



422 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXL 

they are the servants of sin, and are the children of 
disobedience themselves ; 

18. And those who ^swear falsely against my ser- 
vants, that they might bring them into bondage, and 
death : 

19. Wo unto them; because they have offended my 
little ones, they shall be severed from the ordinances of 
mine house ; 

20. Their basket shall not be full, their houses and 
their barns shall perish, and they themselves shall be 
despised by those that flattered them ; 

21. They shall not have A right to the Priesthood, 
nor their posterity after them, from generation to gener- 
ation ; 

22. It had been better for them that a millstone 
had been hanged about their necks, and they drowned 
in the depth of the sea. 

23. Wo unto all those that ^'discomfort my people, 
and drive, and murder, and testify against them, saith 
the Lord of Hosts ; a generation of Tipers shall not 
escape the damnation of hell. 

24. Behold, mine eyes see and know all their works, 
and I have in reserve a famft judgment in the season 
thereof, for them all ; 

25. For there is a time appointed for every man, 
according as his works shall be. 

26. God shall give unto you (the saints') ^knowledge 
by his Holy Spirit, yea by the unspeakable gift of the 
Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world 
was until now ; 

27. Which our forefathers have waited with anxious 
expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their 
minds were pointed to, by the angels, as *held in reserve 
for the fullness of their glory : 

g, the doom of false-swearers among - apostates. h, they and their 

posterity cursed in regurd to the rights of the Priesthood. i, the doom 

of mobs who murder and drive the saints. j, war, scourges, pestilences, 

cyclones, tempests, whirlwinds and other swift judgments will waste them 
away. A", see 2b, Sec. 101. {, see 2b t Sec. 101. 



SEC. CXXI.] commandments. 423 

28. A time to come in the which nothing shall be 
withheld, whether there be one God or ™many Gods, 
they shall be manifest ; 

29. All thrones and dominions, principalities and 

Eowers, shall be revealed and set forth upon n all who 
ave endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ ; 

30. And also if there be bounds set to the heavens, 
or to the seas ; or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, 
or stars ; 

31. All the times of their revolutions ; all the ap- 
pointed days, months, and years, and all the days of 
their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, 
and set times, shall be revealed, in the days of the dis- 
pensation of the fullness of times, 

32. According to that which was ordained in the 
midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other 
Gods, before this world w r as, that should be ^reserved 
unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man 
shall enter into his eternal presence, and into his im- 
mortal rest. 

33. How long can rolling waters remain impure ? 
What power shall stay the heavens ? As well might 
man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri 
river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to 
hinder the Almighty from ^pouring down knowledge 
from heaven, upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. 

34. Behold, there are many called, but r few are 
chosen. And why are they not chosen ? 

35. Because their hearts are set so much upon the 
things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, 
that they do not learn this one lesson — 

36. That the rights of the Priesthood are insepara- 
bly connected with the powers of heaven, and that the 
powers of heaven 5 cannot be controlled nor handled only 
upon the principles of righteousness. 

m, 76 : 58. 132 : 20. n, see 2b, Sec. 101. o, see n* 
Sec. 27. p, see 26, Sec. 101. q, see 26, Sec. 101. r,soce, 
Sec. 95. 8, 107 : 30-32. 



424 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXI. 

37. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true ; 
but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify 
our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or 
dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the chil- 
dren of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, 
the heavens withdraw themselves ; the Spirit of the 
Lord is grieved ; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to 
the Priesthood, or the authority of that man. 

38. Behold ! ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, 
to kick against the pricks ; to persecute the saints, and 
to fight against God. 

39. We have learned, by sad experience, that it is 
the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as 
they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will 
immediately begin to exercise ^unrighteous dominion. 

40. Hence many are called, but w few are chosen. 

41. No pow r er or influence can or ought to be main- 
tained by virtue of the Priesthood, only by persuasion, 
by long suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by 
love unfeigned ; 

42. By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall 
greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without 
guile, 

43. Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved 
upon by the Holy Ghost, and then showing forth after- 
wards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast 
reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy ; 

44. That he may know that thy faithfulness is 
stronger than the cords of death ; 

45. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards 
all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue 
garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy con- 
fidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the 
doctrine of the Priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as 
the dews from heaven. 

46. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant com- 

t, Matt. 24 : 45—51. u, see e, Sec. 95. 



SEC. CXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 425 

panion, and thy sceptre an unchanging sceptre of 
righteousness and truth, and thy dominion shall be an 
everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it 
shall flow unto thee for ever and ever. 



SECTION 122. 



The word of the Lord "to Joseph, the Prophet, while in 
Liberty jail, Clay County, Missouri, March, 1839. 

1. The ends of the earth shall enquire after thy 
name, and fools shall have thee in derision, and hell 
shall rage against thee,. 

2. While the pure in heart, and the wise, and the 
noble, and the virtuous, shall seek counsel, and author- 
ity, and blessings constantly from under thy hand, 

3. And thy people shall never be turned against 
thee by the testimony of traitors ; 

4. And although their influence shall cast thee into 
trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in 
honor, and but for a small moment and thy voice shall 
be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies, than the 
fierce lion, because of thy righteousness ; and thy God 
shall stand by thee for ever and ever. 

5. If thou art called to pass through tribulation ; 
if thou art in perils among false brethren ; if thou art 
in perils among robbers ; if thou art in perils by land 
or by sea ; 

6. If thou art accused with all manner of false accu- 
sations ; if thine enemies fall upon thee ; if they tear 
thee from the society of thy father and mother and 
brethren and sisters ; and if with a drawn sword thine 
enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of 



42 G COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIH. 

thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six 
years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, 
My father, my father, why can't you stay with us ? 0, 
my father, what are the men going to do with you ? and 
if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and 
thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl 
around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb ; 

7. And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or 
into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death 
passed upon thee ; if thou be cast into the deep ; if the 
billowing surge conspire against thee ; if fierce winds 
become thine enemy ; if the heavens gather blackness, 
and all the elements combine to hedge up the way ; 
and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open 
the mouth w^ide after thee, know thou, my son, that 
all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be 
for thy good. 

8. The Son of Man hath descended below them 
all ; art thou greater than he ? 

9. Therefore, hold on thy way, and the Priesthood 
shall remain with thee, for their bounds are set, they 
cannot pass. Thv days are known, and thy years 
shall not be numbered less ; therefore, fear not what 
man can do, for God shall be with you for ever and 
ever. 



SECTION 123. 



Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as 
set forth by Joseph, the Prophet, while in Liberty 
jail, Clay County, Missouri, March, 1839. 

1. And again, we would suggest for your considera- 
tion the propriety of all the saints gathering up a 

a, see c, Sec. 88. 



SEC. CXXni.] COMMANDMENTS. 427 

knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses 
put upon them by the people of this State ; 

2. And also of all the property and amount of 
damages which they have sustained, both of character 
and personal injuries, as well as real property ; 

3. And also the names of all persons that have had 
a hand in their oppressions, as far as they can get hold 
of them and find them out ; 

4. And perhaps a committee can be appointed to 
find out these things, and to take statements, and affi- 
davits, and also to gather up the libelous publications 
that are afloat, 

5. And all that are in the magazines, and in the 
encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are 
published, and are writing, and by whom, and present 
the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality, and 
nefarious and murderous impositions that have been 
practised upon this people, 

6. That we may not only publish to all the world, 
but present them to the heads of government in all 
their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is 
enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can 
fully and completely claim that promise which shall 
call him forth from his a hiding place, and also that the 
whole nation may be left without excuse before he can 
send forth the power of his mighty arm. 

7. It is an imperious duty that we owe to God, to 
angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and 
also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have 
been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, 
under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, 
and oppression, supported, and urged on, and upheld 
by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly 
riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited 
lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the 
world with confusion, and has been growing stronger 

a, see 3 j, Sec. 101. 



428 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIIL 

and stronger, and is now the very main-spring of all 
corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight 
of its iniquity. 

8. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band ; they are 
the very hand-cuffs, and chains, and shackles, and 
fetters of hell. 

9. Therefore it is an imperious duty that we owe, 
not only to our own wives and children, but to the 
widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have 
been murdered under its iron hand ; 

10. Which dark and blackening deeds are enough 
to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and 
pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and 
palsy. 

11. And also it is an imperious duty that we owe 
to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in 
heart ; 

12. (For there are many yet on the earth among all 
sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by 
the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait 
to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth be- 
cause they know not where to. find it ;) 

13. Therefore, that we should waste and wear out 
our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of 
darkness, wherein we know them ; and they are truly 
manifest from heaven. 

14. These should then 6 be attended to with great 
earnestness. 

15. Let no man count them as small things; for 
there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the 
saints, which depends upon these things. 

16. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is 
benefited very much by a very small helm in the time 
of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and 
the waves. 

17. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheer- 

b 3 Elder A. M. Musser is appointed to gather up these libelous reports. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 429 

fully do all things that lie in our power, and then may 
we stand still with the utmost assurance, to see the 
salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. 



SECTION 124. 



Revelation given to Joseph Smith, at Nauvoo, Hancock 
County, Illinois, January 19th, 1841. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant 
Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offering and 
acknowledgments, which you have made, for unto this 
end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my 
wisdom through the a weak things of the earth. 

2. Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in 
answer to them I say unto you, that you are now called 
immediately to make a ^solemn proclamation of my 
gospel, and of this c Stake which I have planted to be 
a corner stone of Zion, which shall be polished with 
that refinement which is after the similitude of a 
palace. 

3. This proclamation shall be made to all the kings 
of the world — to the four corners thereof — to the 
honorable President elect, and the high minded Gover- 
nors of the nation in which you live, and to all the 
nations of the earth scattered abroad. 

4. Let it be written in the spirit of meekness and 
by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall be in you 
at the time of the writing of the same ; 

5. For it shall be d given you by the Holy Ghost to 
know my will concerning those kings and authorities, 
even what shall befall them in a time to come. 

I a, see j, Sec. 1. " &, see &, Sec. 18. c, see <7, Sec. 87* 

d, the spirit of prophecy more fully to be made manifest. 



430 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

6. For, behold ! I am about to call upon thein to 
give heed to the light and glory of Zion, for the set 
time has come to favor her. 

7. Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud procla- 
mation, and with your testimony, fearing them not, for 
they are as grass, and all their glory as the flower 
thereof which soon falleth, that they may be left also 
without excuse, 

8. And that I may visit them in the day of visita- 
tion, when I shall e unvail the face of my covering, to 
appoint the portion of the oppressor among hypocrites, 
wnere there is gnashing of teeth, if they reject my ser- 
vants and my ^testimony which I have revealed unto 
them. 

9. And again, I will visit and soften their hearts, 
many of them for your good, that ye may find grace in 
their eyes, that they may ^come to the light of truth, 
and the Gentiles to the exaltation or lifting up of Zion. 

10. For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, 
in an hour when ye think not of, and where shall be 
the safety of my people, and refuge for those who shall 
be left of them ? 

11. Awake 1 0, kings of the earth 1 Come ye, 0, 
come ye, with your gold and your silver, to the help of 
my people, to the house of the daughters of Zion. 

12. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my servant 
Kobert B. Thompson help you to write this proclama- 
tion, for I am well pleased with him, and that he should 
be with you ; 

13. Let him, therefore, hearken to your counsel, 
and I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings ; 
let him be faithful and true in all things from hence- 
forth, and he shall be great in mine eyes ; 

14. But let him remember that his ^stewardship 
will I require at his hands. 

e, see e, Sec. 1. /, Isa. 60 : 8, 10, 11, 12. g, see u, 

Sec. 78. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 431 

15. And again, verily I say unto you, Blessed is my 
servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because 
of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth 
that which is right before me, saith the Lord. 

16. Again, let my servant John C. Bennett, help 
you in your labor in sending my word to the kings of 
the people of the earth, and stand by you, even you my 
servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of affliction, and his 
reward shall not fail if he receive counsel ; 

17. And for his love he shall be great, for he shall 
be mine if he do this, saith the Lord. I have seen the 
work which he hath done, which I accept, if he con- 
tinue, and will crown him with blessings and great 
glory. 

18. And again, I say unto you, that it is my will 
that my servant Lyman Wight should continue in 
preaching for Zion, in the spirit of meekness, confessing 
me before the w r orld, and I will bear him up as on 
eagle's wings, and he shall beget glory and honor to 
himself, and unto my name. 

19. That when he shall finish his work, that I may 
receive him unto myself, even as I did my serrant 
David Patten, who is trith me at this time, and also 
my servant Edward Partridge, and algo my aged 
servant Joseph Smith, sen., who sitteth with Abraham 
at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is 
mine. 

20. And again, verily I say unto you, my servant 
George Miller is without guile ; he may be trusted be- 
cause of the integrity of his heart ; and for the love 
which he has to my testimony I, the Lord, love him ; 

21. I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head 
the office of a bishopric, like unto my servant Edward 
Partridge, that he may receive the consecrations of 
mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the 
heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let 
no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor 
me. 



432 COVENANTS AND [gBO. CXXIV, 

22. Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman, 
and my servant John Snider, and others, build a ''house 
unto my name, such an one as my servant Joseph shall 
show unto them ; upon the place which he shall show 
unto them also. 

23. And it shall be for a house for boarding, a house 
that strangers may come from afar to lodge therein : 
therefore let it be a good house, worthy of all accepta- 
tion, that the weary traveler may find health and 
safety while he shall contemplate the word of the 
Lord ; and the corner stone I have appointed for 
Zion. 

24. This house shall be a healthy habitation if it be 
built unto my name, and if the governor which shall 
be appointed unto it shall not suffer any pollution to 
come upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lord your God 
will not dwell therein. 

25. And again, verily I say unto you, Let l 'all my 
saints come from afar ; 

26. And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen mes- 
sengers, and say unto them ; come ye, with all your 
gold, and your silver, and your precious stones, and 
with all your antiquities ; and with all who have know- 
ledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and 
bring the box tree, and the fir tree, and the pine tree, 
together with all the precious trees of the earth ; 

27. And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and 
with zinc, and with all your precious things of the 
earth, and build a house to my name, for the ^Most 
High to dwell therein ; 

28. For there is not a place found on earth that he 
may come and restore again that which was lost unto 
you, or which he hath taken away, even the fullness of 
the Priesthood ; 

29. For a ^baptismal font there is not upon the 

h, vers. 23, 24, 56—82, 111—122. i, see j, Sec. 10. ;, 97 : 15—17, 

k, vers. 30—36, 39. Sections 127, 128. i. Cor. 15 : 29. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 433 

earth, that they, my saints, may be ^baptized for" those 
who are dead ; 

30. For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and 
cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your 
poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house 
unto me. 

31. But I command you, all ye my saints, to build 
a house unto me ; and I grant unto you a sufficient 
time to build a house unto me, and during this time 
your 7n baptisms shall be acceptable unto me. 

32. But behold, at the end of this appointment, your 
w baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto 
me ; and if you do not these things at the end of the 
appointment, ye shall be Rejected as a church, with 
your dead, saith the Lord jouv God. 

33. For verily I say unto you, that after you have 
had sufficient time to build a house to me, wherein the 
ordinance of ^baptizing for the dead belongeth, and for 
which the same was instituted from before the founda- 
tion of the world, ?your baptisms for your dead cannot 
be acceptable unto me, 

34. For therein are the keys of the holy Priesthood, 
ordained that you may receive honor and glory. 

35. And r after this time, your baptisms for the dead, 
by those who are scattered abroad, are not acceptable 
unto me, saith the Lord ; 

36. For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her 
Stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have ap- 
pointed for refuge, shall be the ^places for your baptisms 
for your dead. 

37. And again, verily I say unto you, How shall 
your 'washings be acceptable unto me, except ye per- 
form them in a house which you have built to my 
name? 

I, see k. m, see k. n, an ordinance of the Lord's house, 

o, the saints to be rejected if they refuse to build the Lord's house. 
p, see k. q, see k. r, that is, after the date of this revelation, 

s, an ordinance of the house of the Lord, built in the places named 
t, ver. 39. 83 : 138 111. 

¥ F 



434 COVENANTS AND [SBC. CXXIV. 

38. For, for this cause I "commanded Moses that 
he should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it 
with them in the wilderness, and to build a house in 
the land of promise, 5-.-i;J ihose ordinances might be 
revealed which had been hia from before the world 
was ; 

39. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your 
r anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for 
the dead, and your solemn assemblies, a.^d your me- 
morials for your sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and for 
your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you 
receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, 
for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of 
Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all 
her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my 
holy house which my people are ^always commanded to 
build unto my holy name. 

40. And verily I say unto you, Let this house be 
built unto my name, that I *may reveal mine ordinances 
therein, unto my people ; 

41. For I deign to reveal unto my church, things 
which have been kept hid from before the foundation 
of the world, things that pertain to the ^dispensation 
of the fullness of times ; 

42. And I will show unto my servant Joseph all 
things pertaining to this house, and the Priesthood 
thereof ; and the place whereon it shall be built ; 

43. And ye shall build it on the place where you 
have contemplated building it, for that is the spot 
which I have chosen for you to build it ; 

44. If ye labor with all your might, I will con- 
secrate that spot that it shall be made holy ; 

45. And if my people wall hearken unto my voice, 
and unto the voice of my servants whom I have ap- 

u, Exod. 25 : 1—9. i. Chron. chapters 28, 29. v, enumeration of 

things belonging to the house of God. 88 : 74, 139 — 141. w, a stand- 

in. j- commandment. x, revelation of ordinances to be given in the 

house of God. y, see n, Sec. 27. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 435 

pointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto 
you, they shall not be moved out of their place. 

46. But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor 
unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, 
they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy 
grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and 
my holy words which I give unto them. 

47. And it shall come to pass, That if you build a 
house unto my name, and do not do the things that I 
say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto 
you, neither fulfill the promises which ye expect at my 
hands, saith the Lord ; 

48. For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works, 
bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon 
your own heads, by your follies, and by all your abomina- 
tions, which you practise before me, saith the Lord. 

49. Verily, verily I say unto you, That when I give 
a commandment to any of the sons of men, to do a 
work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all 
their might, and with all they have, to perform that 
work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies 
come upon them, and hinder them from performing that 
work ; behold, it behoveth me to require that work no 
more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept 
of their offerings ; 

50. And the iniquity and transgression of my holy 
laws and commandments, I will visit upon the heads of 
those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth 
generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, 
saith the Lord God. 

51. Therefore for this cause ^have I accepted the 
offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a 
city and a house unto my name, in Jackson county, 
Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the 
Lord your God : 

52. And I will 2a answer judgment, wrath, and in- 

z, vers. 49, 50, 52, 53. 2 a, judgments decreed against the enemies 

Of Zion. 



436 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

dignation, wailing, and anguish, and gnashing of teeth 
upon their heads, unto the third and fourth generation, 
so long as they repent not and hate me, saith the Lord 
your God. 

53. And this I make an example unto you, for your 
consolation concerning all those who have been com- 
manded to do a work, and have been 26 hindered by 
the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith 
the Lord your God ; 

54. For I am the Lord your God, and will save all 
those of your brethren who have been pure in heart, 
and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the 
Lord. 

55. And again, verily I say unto you, I command 
you again to build a house to my name, even in this 
place, that you may 2c prove yourselves unto me that 
ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, 
that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, im- 
mortality, and eternal life. 

56. And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my 
boarding house which I have commanded you to build 
for the boarding of strangers, let it be built unto my 
name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my 
servant Joseph, and his house have place therein, from 
generation to generation ; 

57. For this 2( *anointing have I put upon his head, 
that his blessing shall also be put upon the head of 
his posterity after him, 

58. And as I said unto Abraham concerning the 
kindreds of the earth, even so I say unto my servant 
Joseph, in thee and in 2e thy seed shall the kindred of 
the earth he blessed. 

59. Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed 
after him have place in that house, from generation to 
generation, for ever and ever, saith the Lord, 



2b, see z. 2 c, vers. 25—48 2d, ver. 58. 110 : 12. 

2e, ver. 57. 110: 12. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 437 

60. And let the name of that house be called Nau- 
voo house, and let it be a delightful habitation for man, 
and a resting place for the 2 Aveary traveler, that he may 
contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this 
the corner-stone thereof ; 

61. That he may receive also the counsel from those 
whom I have set to be as plants of renown, and as 
watchmen upon her walls. 

62. Behold, verily I say unto you, let my servant 
George Miller, and my servant Lyman Wight, and 
my servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Haws, 
organize themselves, and appoint one of them to be a 
president over their Quorum for the purpose of building 
that house. 

63. And they shall form a constitution whereby they 
may receive stock for the building of that house. 

64. And they shall not receive less than fifty dollars 
for a share of stock in that house, and they shall be 
permitted to receive fifteen thousand dollars from any 
one man for stock iji that house ; 

65. But they shall not be permitted to receive over 
fifteen thousand dollars stock from any one man ; 

66. And they shall not be permitted to receive 
under fifty dollars for a share of stock from any one 
man in that house ; 

67. And they shall not be permitted to receive any 
man as a stockholder in this house, except the same 
shall pay his stock into their hands at the time he re- 
ceives stock ; 

68. And in proportion to the^amount of stock he 
pays into their hands, he shall receive stock in that 
house : but if he pays nothing into their hands, he shall 
not receive any stock in that house. 

69. And if any pay stock into their hands, it shall 
be for stock in that house, for himself, and for his gener- 
ation after him, from generation to generation, so long 

2/, see h. 



438 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

as he and his heirs shall hold that stock, and do not sell 
or convey the stock away out of their hands by their 
own free will and act, if you will do my will, saith the 
Lord your God. 

70. And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant 
George Miller, and my servant Lyman Wight, and my 
servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Haws, re- 
ceive any stock into their hands, in moneys or in pro- 
perties, wherein they receive the real value of moneys, 
they shall not appropriate any portion of that stock to 
any other purpose, only in that house ; 

71. And if they do appropriate any portion of that 
stock any where else, only in that house, without the 
consent of the stockholder, and do not repay fourfold 
for the stock which they appropriate any where else, 
only in that house, they shall be accursed, and shall be 
moved out of their place, saith the Lord God, for I, the 
Lord, am God, and cannot be mocked in any of these 
things. 

72. Verily I say unto you, Let my servant Joseph 
pay stock into their hands for the building of that 
house, as seemeth him good ; but my servant Joseph 
cannot pay over fifteen thousand dollars stock in that 
house, nor under fifty dollars ; neither can any other 
man, saith the Lord. 

73. And there are others also who wish to know my 
will concerning them, for they have asked it at my 
hands. 

74. Therefore I say unto you concerning my servant 
Vinson Knight, if he will do my will, let him put stock 
into that house for himself, and for his generation after 
him, from generation to generation, 

75. And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in 
the midst of the people, to plead the cause of the poor 
and the needy, and let him not fail, neither let his heart 
faint, and I will accept of his offerings, for they shall 
not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he shall be 
mine, saith the Lord. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 439 

76. Let his family rejoice, and turn away their 
hearts from affliction, for I have chosen him and 
anointed him, and he shall be honored in the midst of 
his house, for I will forgive all his sins, saith the Lord. 
Amen. 

77. Verily I say unto you, let my servant Hyrum 
put stock into that house as seemeth him good, for him- 
self and his generation after him, from generation to 
generation. 

78. Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock into 
that house, for I, the Lord, love him for the work he 
hath done, and will forgive all his sins ; therefore, let 
him be remembered for an interest in that house from 
generation to generation. 

79. Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed 
among you, and be ordained by my servant William 
Marks, and be blessed of him, to go with my servant 
Hyrum, to accomplish the work that my servant Joseph 
shall point out to them, and they shall be greatly 
blessed. 

80. Let my servant William Marks pay stock into 
that house, as it seemeth him good, for himself and his 
generation, from generation to generation. 

81. Let my servant Henry G. Sherwood pay stock 
into that house, as it seemeth him good for himself and 
his seed after him, from generation to generation. 

82. Let my servant William Law pay stock into 
that house, for himself and his seed after him, from 
generation to generation. 

83. If he will do my will, let him not take his 
family unto the eastern lands, even unto Kirtland ; 
nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build up Kirtland, but I, 
the Lord, have a scourge prepared for the inhabitants 
thereof. 

84. And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are 
many things with which I am not well pleased ; behold, 
he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the coun- 
sel which I have ordained, even the Presidency of my 



440 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

church, and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship 
of my people. 

85. Let no man go from this place who has come 
here essaying to keep my commandments. 

86. If they 2 ^live here let them live unto me ; and 
if they die, let them die unto me ; for they shall rest 
from all their labors here, and shall continue their 
works. 

87. Therefore let my servant William put his trust 
in me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because 
of the sickness of the land. If ye love me, keep my 
commandments, and the sickness of the land shall re- 
dound to your glory. 

88. Let my servant William go and proclaim 2A my 
everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and with great joy, 
as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto the in- 
habitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of 
Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington, 
and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await 
patiently and diligently for further instructions at my 
general conference, saith the Lord. 

89. If he will do my will, let him from henceforth 
hearken to the counsel of my servant Joseph, and with 
his interest support the cause of the poor and 2l 'publish 
the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabi- 
tants of the earth ; 

90. And if he will do this, I will bless him with a 
multiplicity of blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, 
nor his seed be found begging bread. 

91. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my ser- 
vant William be appointed, ordained, and anointed, as 
a counselor unto my servant Joseph, in the room of my 
servant Hyrum, that my servant Hyrum may take the 
office of Priesthood and ^'Patriarch, which was ap- 
pointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by 
right, 

2#, vers. 85, 87, 108—110. 2 h, see b, Sec. 18. 2t, inspired 

translation of the scriptures. 2 j, vers. 02, 96, 124. 107 : 39. 



SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 441 

92. That from henceforth he shall hold the 2 *keys 
of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my 
people, 

93. That 2 Whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and 
whoever he 2m curses shall be cursed ; that whatsoever 
he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ; and 
whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in 
heaven ; 

94. And from this time forth I 2 "appoint unto him 
that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator 
unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph, 

95. That he may act in concert also with my ser- 
sant Joseph, and that he shall receive counsel from my 
servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the 2o keys 
whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with 
the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priest- 
hood, and gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put 
upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery ; 

96. That my servant Hyrum may bear record of 
the things which I shall show unto him, that his name 
may be had in honorable remembrance from generation 
to generation, for ever and ever. 

97. Let my servant William Law also receive 2 ^the 
keys by which he may ask and receive blessings ; let 
him be humble before me, and be without guile, and 
he shall receive of my Spirit, even the 2 ^Comforter, 
which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, 
and shall give him in the very hour, what he shall 
say. 

98. And these signs shall follow him ; he shall heal 
the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered 
from those who would administer unto him deadly 
poison ; 

99. And he shall be led in paths where the poison- 
ous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel, and he shall 

2 k, the Presiding Patriarch. 2Z, see d, Sec. 1. 2 m, see d, 

Sec. 1. 2n, ver. 95. 2o, the order of God for receiving revela- 

tions. 2p, the order, ordained of God. 2q, see h, Sec. 42. 



442 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

mount up in the imagination of his thoughts as upon 
eagles' wings ; 

100. And what if I will that he should raise the 
dead, let him not withhold his voice. 

101. Therefore, let my servant William cry aloud 
and spare not, with joy and rejoicing, and with hosan- 
nas to him that sitteth upon the throne for ever and 
ever, saith the Lord your God. 

102. Behold, I say unto you, I have a mission in 
store for my servant William, and my servant Hyrum, 
and for them alone ; and let my servant Joseph tarry 
at home, for he is needed : the remainder I will show 
unto you hereafter. Even so. Amen. 

103. And again, verily I say unto you, if my ser- 
vant Sidney will serve me and be counselor unto my 
servant Joseph, let him arise and come up and stand 
in the office of his calling, and humble himself before 
me ; 

104. And if he will offer unto me an acceptable 
offering, and acknowledgments, and remain with my 
people, behold, I, the Lord your God, will heal him 
that he shall be healed ; and he shall lift up his voice 
again on the mountains, and be a 2 Spokesman before 
my face. 

105. Let him come and locate his family in the 
neighbourhood in which my servant Joseph resides, 

106. And in all his journeyings let him lift up his 
voice as with the sound of a trump, and warn the in- 
habitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come ; 

107. Let him assist my servant Joseph ; and also let 
my servant William Law assist my servant Joseph, in 
making a 25 solemn proclamation unto the kings of the 
earth, even as I have before said unto you. 

108. If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him 
not remove his family unto the eastern lands, but let 
him change their habitation, even as I have said. 

2r, 100:9, 11. 2 s, ver. 2. 



SEC. CXXIY.J COMMANDMENTS. 443 

109. Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to 
find safety and refuge out of the city which I have ap- 
pointed unto you, even the city of Nauvoo. 

110. Verily I say unto you, even now, if he will 
hearken to my voice, it shall be well with him. Even 
so. Amen. 

111. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my ser- 
vant Amos Davies pay stock into the hands of those 
whom I have appointed to build a house for boarding, 
even the Nauvoo House ; 

112. This let him do if he will have an interest, 
and let him hearken unto the counsel of my servant 
Joseph, and labor with his own hands that he may 
obtain the confidence of men ; 

113. And when he shall prove himself faithful in 
all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, 
yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over 
many ; 

114. Let him therefore abase himself that he may 
be exalted. Even so. Amen. 

115. And again, verily I say unto you, if my ser- 
vant Robert D. Foster will obey my voice, let him build 
a house for my servant Joseph, according to the con- 
tract which he has made with him, as the door shall be 
open to him from time to time ; 

116. And let him repent of all his folly, and clothe 
himself with charity, and cease to do evil, and lay aside 
all his hard speeches, 

117. And pay stock also into the hands of the 
quorum of the Nauvoo House, for himself and for his 
generation after him, from generation to generation, 

118. And hearken unto the counsel of my servants 
Joseph and Hyrum and William Law, and unto the 
authorities which I have called to lay the foundation of 
Zion, and it shall be well with him for ever and ever. 
Even so. Amen. 

119. And again, verily I say unto you, Let no man 



444 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

pay stock to the quorum of the Nauvoo House, unless 
he shall be a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the 
revelations I have given unto you, saith the Lord your 
God; 

120. For that which is more or less than this 
cometh of evil, and shall be attended with cursings 
and not blessings, saith the Lord your God. Even 
so. Amen. 

121. And again, verily I say unto you, Let the 
quorum of the Nauvoo House have a just recompense 
of wages for all their labors which they do in building 
the Nauvoo House, and let their wages be as shall be 
agreed among themselves, as pertaining to the price 
thereof ; 

122. And let every man who pays stock bear his 
proportion of their wages, if it must needs be, for 
their support, saith the Lord ; otherwise, their labors 
shall be accounted unto them for stock in that house. 
Even so. Amen. 

123. Verily I say unto you, I now give unto 
you 2 *the officers belonging to my Priesthood, that ye 
may hold the keys thereof, even the Priesthood which 
is after the order of Melchisedek, which is after the 
order of my Only Begotten Son. 

124. First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a 
2w Patriarch unto you, to hold the sealing blessings of 
my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby 
ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that ye 
may not fall, notwithstanding the hour of temptation 
that may come upon you. 

125. I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a 
presiding elder over all my church, to 2v be a translator, 
a revelator, a seer, and prophet. 

126. I give unto him for counselors my servant 
Sidney Rigdon, and my servant William Law, that 

21 : 1, 10. 27 : 8—13. 
2v, see 2t, 



2t, vers. 124—145. 


Sec. 13. 2:1. 20 : 1—4. 


107 : 1-76. 


2u, vers. 92-96. 107: 39. 


Sec. 107. 





SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 445 

these may constitute a quorum and 2u 'First Presidency, 
to receive the oracles for the whole church. 

127. I give unto you my servant Brigham Young, to 
be a President over the 2x Twelve traveling Council, 

128. Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the 
authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the 
earth, and after that to send my word to every crea- 
ture ; 

129. They are— Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, 
Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, 
John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, 
George A. Smith ; 

130. David Patten I have 2 ^taken unto myself; 
behold, his Priesthood no man taketh from him ; but, 
verily I say unto you, another may be appointed unto 
the same calling. 

131. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a 
2 *High Council, for the corner stone of Zion ; 

132. Viz., Samuel Bent, H. G. Sherwood, George 
W. Harris, Charles C. Rich, Thomas Grover, Newel 
Knight, David Dort, Dunbar Wilson ; (Seymour Brun- 
son I have taken unto myself, no man taketh his 
Priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the 
same Priesthood in his stead and verily I say unto you, 
let my servant Aaron Johnson be ordained unto this 
calling in his stead ;) David Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler, 
William Huntington. 

133. And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith, to 
be a president over a 3a quorum of High Priests ; 

134. Which ordinance is instituted for the purpose 
of qualifying those who shall be appointed standing 
presidents or servants over different Stakes scattered 
abroad, 

135. And they may travel also if they choose, but 
rather be ordained for standing presidents, this is the 
office of their calling, saith the Lord your God. 

2w>, scej, Sec. 68. 2x, see p, Sec. 18. 2y, David Patten 

was killed by a Missouri mob. 2z, for Nauvoo. 3 a, vers. 134—136. 



446 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV. 

136 I give unto him Amasa Lyman, and Noah 
Packard, for counselors, that they may preside over 
the quorum of High Priests of my church, saith the 
Lord. 

137. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you 
John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse Baker, 
which Priesthood is to preside over the 36 quorum of 
elders, which quorum is instituted for standing min- 
isters, nevertheless they may travel, yet they are or- 
dained to be standing ministers to my church, saith the 
Lord. 

138. And again, I give unto you Joseph Young, 
Josiah Butterheld, Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman, 
Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James Foster, to 3 pre- 
side over the quorum of seventies, 

139. Which quorum is instituted for traveling elders 
to bear record of my name in all the world, wherever 
the traveling High Council, my apostles, shall send them 
to prepare a way before my face. 

140. The difference between this quorum and the 
quorum of elders is, that one is to travel continually, 
and the other is to preside over the churches from time 
to time ; the one has the responsibility of presiding 
from time to time, and the other has no responsibility 
of presiding, saith the Lord your God. 

141. And again, I say unto you I give unto you Vin- 
son Knight, Samuel H. Smith, and Shadrach Roundy, 
if he will receive it, to 3d preside over the bishopric ; a 
knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you in the 
Book of Doctrine and Covenants. 

142. And again, I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and 
his counselors for priests, and the president of the 
teachers and his counselors, and also the president of 
the deacons and his counselors, and also the ^president 
of the stake and his counselors ; 

143. The above offices I have given unto you, and 

3?>, 107 : 60, 89. 3 c, 107 : 93—93. 3d, Presiding Bishop. 

3e, 107 : 10. 



SEC. CXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 4 47 

the keys thereof, for helps and for governments, for 
the work of the ministry, and the perfecting of my 
saints ; 

144. And a commandment I give unto you that you 
should fill all these offices and ^approve of those names 
which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them at 
my general conference, 

145. And that ye should prepare rooms for all these 
offices in my house when you build it unto my name, 
saith the Lord your God. Even so. Amen. 



SECTION 125. 



Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Nauwo, 
Hancock County, Illinois, March, 1841, concerning 
the Saints in the Territory of Iowa. 

1. " What is the will of the Lord, concerning the 
saints in the Territory of Iowa?" 

2. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if 
those who call themselves by my name, and are essay- 
ing to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep 
my commandments concerning them ; let them gather 
themselves together, unto the places wilich I shall ap- 
point unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up 
cities unto my name, that they may be prepared for 
that which is in store for a time to come. 

3. Let them build up a city unto my name upon 
the land opposite to the city of Nauvoo, and let the 
name of Zarahemla be named upon it. 

4. And let all those who come from the east, and 
the west, and the north, and the south, that have de- 

3/, see 2w, Sec. 20. 



448 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVI., CXXYII. 

sires to dwell therein, take up their inheritance in the 
same, as well as in the city of Nashville, or in the city 
of Nauvoo, and in all the a Stakes which I have ap- 
pointed, saith the Lord. 



SECTION 126. 



Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, in the house 
of Elder Brigham Young, Nauvoo, Illinois, July 
9th, 1841. 

1. Dear and well-beloved brother Brigham Young, 
verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Brig- 
ham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your 
family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable 
to me ; 

2. I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings for 
my name. 

3. I therefore command you to a send my word 
abroad, and take special care of your family from this 
time, henceforth, and for ever. Amen. 



SECTION 127. 

Address to the Saints in Nauvoo, dated Nauvoo, 
September 1st, 1842. 

1. Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me 
that my enemies, both in Missouri and this State, were 

a, see g, Sec. 87. 



a, 107 : 33. See q, Sec. 18. 



SEC. CXXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 44& 

again in the pursuit of me ; and inasmuch as they 
pursue me without a cause, and have not the least 
shadow or coloring of justice or right on their side, in 
the getting up of their prosecutions against me ; and 
inasmuch as their pretensions are all founded in false- 
hood of the blackest die, I have thought it expedient 
and wisdom in me to leave the place for a short season, 
for my own safety, and the safety of this people. I 
would say to all those with whom I have business, that 
I have left my affairs with agents and clerks, who will 
transact all business in a prompt and proper manner, 
and will see that all my debts are canceled in due time, 
by turning out property, or otherwise, as the case may 
require, or as the circumstances may admit of. When 
I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will 
return to you again. 

2. And as for the perils which I am called to pass 
through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the 
envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all 
the days of my life ; and for what cause it seems mys- 
terious, unless I was ordained from before the founda- 
tion of the world for some good end, or bad, as you 
may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God 
knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. 
But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to 
swim in. It all has become a second nature to me, and 
I feel like Paul, to glory in tribulation, for to this day 
has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them 
all, and will deliver me from henceforth ; for behold > 
and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the 
Lord God hath spoken it. 

3. Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be ex- 
ceedingly glad, for Israel's God is their God, and he 
will meet out a just recompense of reward upon the 
heads of all their oppressors. 

4. And again, verily thus saith the Lord, Let the 
work of ^rny temple, and all the works which I have 

a,- 124 : 25—48, 55. 



450 COVENANTS AND [SEC.'CXXVIL 

appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease ; 
and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and 
patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall 
in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of hosts. 
And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the 
prophets and righteous men that were before you. For 
all this there is a reward in heaven. 

5. And again, I give unto you a word in relation to 
the baptism for your dead. 

6. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning 
your dead : When any of you are ^baptized for your 
dead, let there be a Recorder, and let him be eye 
witness of your baptisms ; let him hear with his ears, 
that he may testify of a truth, saith the Lord ; 

7. That in all your recordings it may be recorded 
in heaven ; whatsoever you d bind on earth, J may be 
cjund in heaven ; whatsoever you loose on earth, may 
b3 loosed in heaven ; 

8. For I am about to restore many things to the 
earth, pertaining to the Priesthood, saith the Lord of 
hosts. 

9. And again, let all the ^records be had in order, 
that they may be put in the archives of my Holy 
Temple, to be held in remembrance from generation to 
generation, saith the Lord of hosts. 

10. I will say to all the saints, that I desired, with 
exceedingly great desire, to have addressed them from 
the stand, on the subject of baptism for the dead, on 
tne following sabbath. But inasmuch as it is out of 
ry power to do so, I will write the word of the Lord 
from time to time, on that subject, and send it to you 
by mail, as well as many other things. 

11. I now close my letter for the present, for the 
want of more time ; for the enemy is on the alert, and 
as the Saviour said, the prince of this world cometh, 
but he hath nothing in me. 

&, see k y Sec. 124. c, 128 : 3, 4, 7. d, see d x Sec. 1. 

e, 128 : 4, 7—10. 



SEC. DXXYin.] COMMANDMENTS. 451 

12. Behold, my prayer to God is, that you all may 
be saved. And I subscribe myself your servant in tho 
Lord, Prophet and Seer of tho Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints. 

Joseph Smith. 



SECTION 128. 



Address to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints, dated Nauvoo, September 6th, 1842. 

1. As I stated to you in my letter before I left my 
place, that I would write to you from time to time, and 
give you information in relation to many subjects, I 
now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead, as 
that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself 
upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been 
pursued by my enemies. 

2. I wrote a few words of revelation to you con- 
cerning a recorder. I have had a few additional views 
in relation to this matter, which I now certify. That 
is, it was declared in my former letter that there should 
be a recorder, who should be eye witness, and also to 
hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a 
truth before the Lord. 

3. Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very 
difficult for one recorder to be present at all times, and 
to do all the business. To obviate this difficulty, there 
can be a Recorder appointed in each ward of the city, 
who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes ; and 
let him be very particular and precise in taking the 
whole proceedings, certifying in his record that he saw 
with his eyes, and heard with his ears, giving the date, 

; a, recorder and witnesses necessary. 



452 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVUi; 

and names, &c, and the history of the whole transac- 
tion ; naming also, some three individuals that aro 
present, if there be any present, who can at any timo 
when called upon, certify to the . same, that in tha 
6 mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may bo 
established. 

4. Then let there be a general recorder, to whom 
these other records can be handed, being attended with 
certificates over their own signatures, certifying that 
the record they have made is true. Then the general 
church recorder, can enter the record on the general 
church book, with the certificates and all the attending 
witnesses, with his own statement that he verily believes 
the above statement and records to be true, from his 
knowledge of the general character and appointment of 
those men by the church. And when this is done on 
the general church book, the record shall be just as' 
holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as> 
if he had seen with his eyes, and heard with his ears, and 
made a record of the same on the general church book.' 

5. You may think this order of things to be very 
particular, but let me tell you, that it is only to an- 
swer the will of God, by conforming to the ordinance 
and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared 
c before the foundation of the world, for the salvation 
of the dead who should die without a knowledge of the 
gospel. 

6. And further I want you to remember that John 
the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in 
relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find 
recorded in Revelations xx. 12 — "And I saw the dead, 
small and great, stand before God ; and the d books were 
opened ; and another book was opened, which was the 
book of life ; and the dead were judged out of those 
things which were written in the books, according to 
their works." 

b y records and witnesses necessary when the dead are judged. e, plan 
laid before the foundation of the world. d, Rev. 20 ; 12. 



£EC. CXXVIII.j COMMANDMENTS. 453 

7. You will discover in this quotation, that the 
.books were opened ; and another book was opened, 
which was the book of life ; but the dead were judged 
out of those things which were written in the books, 
according to their works ; consequently the books spoken 
of must be the books which contained the record of 
their works ; and refer to the e records which are kept 
on the earth. And the book which was the book of 
life, is the record which is kept in heaven ; the prin- 
ciple agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is com- 
manded you in the revelation contained in the letter 
which I wrote to you previously to my leaving my place 
— that in all your recordings it may be ^recorded in 
heaven. 

8. Now the nature of this ordinance consists in the 
power of the Priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus 
Christ, wherein it is granted, that ^whatsoever you 
bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatso- 
ever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. 
Or, in other words, taking a different view of the 
translation, whatsoever you ^record on earth, shall be 
recorded in heaven ; and whatsoever you l 'do not record 
on earth, shall not be recorded in heaven ; for out of 
the books shall your dead be judged, according to their 
own works, whether they themselves have attended 
to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by 
the means of their own agents, according to the ordi- 
nance which God has prepared for their salvation 
from before the foundation of the world, according 
to the ^'records which they have kept concerning their 
dead. 

9. It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine 
that we talk of— a power which records or binds on 
earth, and binds in heaven. Nevertheless in all ages 
of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensa- 

e, ordinances for the dead recorded on earth. /, also recorded 

in heaven. g, see d, Sec. 1. h, ver. 3. 'i, a record 

necessary as well as the ordinance. j, these records essential in the 

great judgment. 



454 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVm. 

tion of the Priesthood to any man by actual revelation, 
or any set of men, this power has always been given. 
Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the 
name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and 
kept a proper and ^faithful record of the same, it be- 
came a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be 
annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. 
This is a faithful saying ! Who can hear it ? 

10. And again, for the ^precedent, Matthew xvi. 18, 
19, "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter : and 
upon this rock I will build my church ; and the gates 
of hell shall not prevail against it ; and I will give unto 
thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatso- 
ever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven ; 
and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed 
in heaven." 

11. Now the great and grand secret of the whole 
matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject 
that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers 
of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys 
are given, there is no difficulty in obtaining a know- 
ledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the 
children of men, both as well for the dead as for the 
living. 

12. Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and 
eternal life. The ordinance of baptism by water, to be 
immersed therein in order to ^answer to the likeness of 
the dead, that one principle might accord w T ith the 
other. To be immersed in the water and come forth 
out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection 
of the dead in coming forth out of their graves ; hence 
this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship 
with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in 
likeness of the dead. 

13. Consequently the "baptismal font was instituted 

k, these records will be a law on earth and in heaven, in behalf of the 
dead. I, 14. 21 : 1. 85 : 1—5, 9—12. 88 : 2. 127 : 6, 9. Matt. 16 : 

18, 19. w, baptism for the dead being a symbol of the burial and the 

resurrection. n, symbol of the grave. 



SEC. CXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 455 

as a simile of the grave, and was commanded to be in 
a place underneath where the living are wont to as- 
semble, to show forth the living and the dead ; and 
that all things may have their likeness, and that they 
may accord one with another ; that which is earthly 
conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath 
declared, 1 Corinthians xv. 46, 47, and 48. 

14. "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, 
but that which is natural, and afterwards that which 
is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy ; the 
second man is the Lord, from heaven. As is the 
earthy, such are they also that are earthy ; and as is 
the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly/' 
And as are the °records on the earth in relation to 
your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the 
records in heaven. This, therefore, is the sealing and 
binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the ^keys 
of the kingdom which consist in the key of know- 
ledge. 

15. And now, my dearly beloved brethren and 
sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in 
relation to the dead, and the living, that cannot be 
lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. 
For their salvation is necessary, and essential to our 
salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers "that 
they without us cannot be made perfect j " neither can 
?we without our dead be made perfect. 

16. And now, in relation to the baptism for the 
dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul, 1 Co- 
rinthians xv. 29, " Else what shall they do which are 
baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all ; why 
are they then baptized for the dead ? " 

17. And again, in connection with this quotation, I 
wall give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who 
had his eye fixed on the restoration of the Priesthood, 
the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an 

o, records on earth and in heaven must agree. p, see d , Sec. 1. 

9, 2 : 2. 110 : 15. Heb. 11 ; 40. 



456 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVIIL 

especial manner this most glorious of all subjects be- 
longing to the everlasting gospel, viz., the baptism for 
the dead ; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th 
and 6th, " Behold, I will send you r Elijah the prophet, 
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of 
the Lord ; and he shall turn the s heart of the fathers 
to the children, and the heart of the children to 
their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a 
curse." 

18. I might have rendered a plainer translation to 
this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it 
stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the 
earth will be smitten with a curse, unless there is a 
welding link of some kind or other, between the fathers 
and the children, upon some subject or other, and be- 
hold what is that subject ? It is the 'baptism for the 
dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect ; 
neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither 
can they nor we, be made perfect, without those who 
have died in the gospel also ; for it is necessary in the 
ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times ; 
which ^dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that 
a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding 
together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and 
glories should take place, and be revealed from the days 
of Adam even to the present time ; and not only this, 
but those things which never have been revealed from 
the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid 
from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto r babes 
and sucklings in this the dispensation of the fullness of 
times. 

19. Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we 
have ■ received ? "A voice of gladness ! A voice of 
mercy from heaven ; and a voice of w 'truth out of the 

r, see a, Sec. 2. s, see c, Sec. 2. t, baptism for the dead, the 

connecting link between the fathers who are dead, and the living children. 
«, see w, Sec. 27. 27 : 8—13. 84 : 6—19, 25—34, 64—72. 86 : 8—11. 87 : 
8-11, 88 : 108—110. 90 : 2, 7. 110 : 11—16. 112 : 15, 32. 115 : 19. 124 : 
IS, 40, 41. v, Matt. 11 : 25. Luke 10 : 21. w t 1 : 29, 30. 20.' 

6-10. 27 : 6. 



SEC. CXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 457 

earth ; glad tidings for the dead ; a voice of gladness 
for the living and the dead ; glad tidings of great joy ; 
how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those 
that bring glad tidings of good things ; and that say 
unto Zion, behold ! thy God reigneth. As the dews of 
Carniel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon 
them." 

20. And again, what do we hear ? Glad tidings 
from Cumorah ! Moroni, an angel from heaven, de- 
claring the fulfillment of the prophets — ^he book to be 
revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of 
Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the s'three witnesses 
to bear record of the book. The voice of ^Michael on 
the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when 
he appeared as an angel of light. The voice of 2a Peter, 
James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, 
Susquehanna county, and Coles ville, Broome county, 
on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as 
possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispen- 
sation of the fullness of times. 

21. And again, the voice of God in the chamber of 
old father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at 
sundry times, and in divers places through all the 
travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints. And the voice of 26 Michael,the 
archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and 
of divers angels, from Michael or Adam, down to the 
present time, all declaring their dispensation, their 
rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, 
and the power of their Priesthood; giving line upon 
line, precept upon precept ; here a little, and there a 
little — giving us consolation by holding forth that which 
is to come, confirming our hope. 

22. Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? 
Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren ; 
and on, on to the victory ! Let your hearts rejoice, 

x, see/, Sec. 27. y, Sec. 17. z, see k, Sec. 27. 2a, see d t 

Sec. 5. 2b, seek, Sec. 27. 



458 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVIIL 

and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth 
into singing. Let the 2c dead speak forth anthems of 
eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained 
before the world was, that which would enable us to 
redeem them out of their 2d prison; for the prisoners 
shall go free. 

23. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye 
valleys cry aloud ; and all ye seas and dry lands tell 
the wonders of your eternal king. And ye rivers, and 
brooks, and rills flow down with gladness. Let the 
woods, and all the trees of the field praise the Lord ; 
and ye solid rocks weep for joy. And let the sun, 
moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all 
the sons of God shout for joy. And let the eternal 
creations declare his name for ever and ever. And 
again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from 
heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, 
and honor, and immortality, and eternal life ; kingdoms, 
principalities, and powers. 

24. Behold the great day of the Lord is at hand, 
and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can 
stand when he appeareth ; for he is like a refiner's fire, 
and like fuller's soap ; and he shall sit as a refiner and 
purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, 
and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer 
unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us 
therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day 
Saints offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness, 
and let us present in his 2e holy temple, when it is 
finished, a ^ook containing the records of our dead, 
which shall be worthy of all acceptation. 

25. Brethren, I have many things to say to you on 
the subject ; but shall now close for the present, and 
continue the subject another time. I am, as ever, your 
humble servant and never deviating friend, 

Joseph Smith. 

2c, vers. 1—18. See Sec. 127. 2d, 76 : 73, 74. Isa. 24 : 17—23. 

42 : 7. 49 : 9. 61 : 1. i. Pet. 3 : 19. 4 : 6. Zech. 9 : 11, 12. 2e, 84 1 

SL Mai. 3 : 1—3. 2/, Sections 127, 128. 



SEC. CXXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 459 



SECTION 129. 

Tliree Grand Keys by which Good or Bad Angels or 
Spirits may be known. Revealed to Joseph, the 
Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, February dth, 1843. 

1. There are two kinds of beings in heaven — viz., 
angels who are resurrected personages, having a bodies 
of flesh and bones. * 

2. For instance, Jesus said, " Handle me and see, 
for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me 
have." 

3. 2nd. The ^spirits of just men made perfect — 
they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same 
glory. 

4. When a messenger comes, saying he has a mes- 
sage from God, offer him your hand, and request him 
to shake hands with you. 

5. If he be an angel, he will do so, and you will 
feel his hand. 

6. If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect, 
he will come in his glory ; for that is the only way he 
can appear. 

7. Ask him to shake hands w r ith you, but he will 
not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven 
for a just man to deceive ; but he will still deliver his 
message. 

8. If it be the Devil as an angel of light, when you 
ask him to shake hands, he will offer you his hand, and 
you will not feel anything : you may therefore detect 
him. 

9. These are c three grand keys whereby you may 
know whether any administration is from God. 

a, Matt. 27 : 52, 53. Luke 24 : 36—40. Rev. 19 : 10. 22 : 8, 9. Hela. 
14 : 25. hi. Nep. 23 : 9-13. .. &, Heb. 12 : 23. c, vers. 1—8. 



&T50 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXX. 



SECTION 130. 

Important Items of Instruction^ given by Joseph, the 
Prophet, April 2nd, 1843. 

1. When the Saviour shall appear, we shall see him 
as he is. We shall see that he is a man like ourselves ; 

2. And that same sociality which exists among us 
here will exist among us there, imly it will be coupled 
with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy. 

3. (John xiv. 23.) The appearing of the Father 
and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance ; 
and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a 
man's heart, is an old sectarian notion, and is false. 

4. In answer to the question, " Is not the reckoning 
of God's time, angel's time, prophet's time, and man's 
time according to the planet on which they reside ? " 

5. I answer, yes. But there, are no angels who 
minister to this earth but those who do belong or have 
belonged to it. 

t- 6. The angels do not reside on a planet like this 
earth • 

7. But they reside in the presence of God, on a 
globe like a a sea of glass and fire, where all things for 
their glory are manifest — past, present, and future, and 
are continually before the Lord. 

8. The place where God resides is a great & Urim 
and Thummim. 

9. This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, 
will be made like unto crystal and will be a c Urim and 
Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, 
whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, 
or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to 
those who dwell on it ; and this earth will be Christ's. 

a, vers. 8, 9. 77 1 1. . b, vers. 9—11. See d, Sec. 17. c, see b. 



SEC. CXXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 461 

10. Then the ^white stone mentioned in Revela- 
tions ii. 17, will become a e Urim tfnd Thummim to each 
individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining 
to a higher order of kingdoms, even all kingdoms, will 
be made known ; 

11. And a -^ white stone is given to each of those 
who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new 
name written, which no man knoweth save he that re- 
ceiveth it. The new name is the ^key word. 

12. I prophesy, in the name of the Lord God, that 
the commencement of the difficulties which will cause 
much bloodshed previous to the coming of the Son of 
Man will be A in South Carolina. 

13. It may probably arise through the slave' 
question. This a voice declared to me, w r hile I was 
praying earnestly on the subject, December 25th, 
1832. 

. 14. I was once praying very earnestly to know the 
time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard-, 
a voice repeat the following : — 

15. " Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art 
^eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son 
of Man : therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no 
more on this matter/' 

16. I was left thus, without being able to decide 
whether this coming referred to the ^beginning of the 
millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether 
I should die and thus see his face. 

17. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will 
not be any ^sooner than that time. 

18. Whatever principles of intelligence, we attain 

d, Exod. 39. Lev. 8 : 6—8. Num. 27 : 21. Deut. 33 : 8. e, see d. • 

/, see d. g, Rev. 2 : 17. h, ver. 13. See Sec. 87. 

i, near the end of the year A.D. 1890. 45 : 42—44. 49 : 6, 7. See 

prophecy of Joseph, uttered 14th March, 1835. (Published in Mil. Star, 
No. 13, Vol. 15.) " Even 56 years should wind up the scene." Whether 
this had reference to the coming- of Christ or to the fulfillment of the 
"times of the Gentiles" is unknown. j, The beginning of the 

seventh Millennium will be before the seven angels sound their trumpets, 
preparatory to the coming of Christ,. See 77 ; 12. k t Joseph's 

opinion. 



462 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXX5X 

unto in this life, it will rise *with us in the resurrec- 
tion ; 

19. And if a person gains more knowledge and in- 
telligence in this life through his diligence and obe- 
dience than another, he will have so much the advan- 
tage in the world to come. 

20. There is a ™law, irrevocably decreed in heaven 
before the foundations of this world, upon which all 
blessings are predicated ; 

21. And when we obtain any blessing from God, 
it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predi- 
cated. 

22. The Father hag a body of flesh and bones as 
tangible as man's ; the Son also : but the Holy Ghost 
has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage 
of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not 
dwell in us. 

23. A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may 
descend upon him and not tarry with him. 



SECTION 131. 

Remarks of Joseph, the Prophet, at Ramus, Illinois, 
May mh and 11th, 1843. 

1. In the celestial glory there are a three heavens or 
degrees ; 

2. And in order to obtain the highest, a man must 
enter in to this & Order of the Priesthood ; (meaning the 
new and everlasting covenant of marriage ;) 

l, knowledge gained by obedience in this life, will be retained in the 
resurrection. m, Ancient law and decrees, through which blessings 

are granted. ft, Lecture 5 : 2, 3. 

a, ii. Cor. 12 : 1-4. fc, 182, 



SEC. cxxxil] commandments. 463 

3. And if he does not, lie cannot obtain it. 

4. He may enter into the other, but that is the end 
of his kingdom : he cannot have an increase. 

5. (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of 
prophecy (mentioned by Peter) means a man's know- 
ing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation 
and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the 
Holy Priesthood. 

6. It is impossible for a man to be saved in igno- 
rance. 

7. There is no such thing as ^immaterial matter. 
All spirit is ^matter, but it is more fine or pure, and 
can only be discerned by purer eyes. 

8. We cannot see it ; but when our bodies are 
purified, we shall see that it is all matter. 



SECTION 132. 

Revelation on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, 
including Plurality of Wives. Given through 
Joseph, the Seer, in Nauvoo y Hancock County y Illi~ 
nois, July 12th, 1843. 

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant 
Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand, 
to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified 
my servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ; as also Moses, 
David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the prin- 
ciple and doctrine of their having a many wives and 
concubines : 

c, 68 : 12. 76 : 53. 124 : 121. ii. Pet. 1 : 19. . d, see pamphlet 

on " Absurdities of Iinmaterialism." e, see pamphlet on " Absurdities 

Of Imniaterialisni." _ 

a, vers. 3, 34, 37—40, 61— G3. Gen. 16. 21 : 3, 18—21. 25 : 6. Chap- 
ters 29, 30. 33 : 5-7. 37 : 2. Exod. 21 : 7—11. 22 ; 16. Lev. 18 ; 18. 



464 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXII. 

2. Behold! and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will 
answer thee as touching this matter : 

3. Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey 
the instructions which I am about to give unto you ; for 
all those who have this law revealed unto them 6 must 
obey the same ; 

4. For behold ! I reveal unto you a ^new and an 
everlasting covenant ; and if ye abide not that d cove- 
nant,-then are ye damned ; for no one can e reject this 
covenant, and be permitted to enter into my glory ; 

5. For all who will have a blessing at my hands, 
shall 'abide the law which was appointed for that bless- 
ing, and the conditions thereof, as were ^instituted from 
before the foundation of the world : 

' 6. And as pertaining to the A new and everlasting 
covenant, it was instituted for the fullness of my glory ; 
and he that receiveth a fullness thereof, l 'must and 
shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the 
Lord God. 

7. And verily I say unto you, that the ^'conditions 
of this law are these : — All covenants, contracts, bonds, 
obligations, oaths, vow r s, performances, connections, as-, 
sociations, or expectations, that are not made, and 
entered into, and ^sealed, by the Holy Spirit of pro- 
mise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and 
for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation 
and commandment through the medium of mine 
anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold 
this power, (and I have appointed unto my servant 
Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is 

Num. 12 : 1. Deut. 17 : 14—18. 21 : 10—17. 22 : 28, 29. 25 : 5—10. 
Judges 1 : 16. 4 : 11. 8 : 29—32. See also chapters 6 and 7. 10 : 4. 
12 : 8, 9, 13, 14. i. Sam. 1 : 1, 2. 25 : 42, 43. 27 : 3. 30 : 5, 8. n. Sam. 

2 : 1—4. ' 3 : 2—5, 14—16. 5 : 13, 23. 12 : 8. 15 : 16. 16 : 21, 22. 
19 : 5. 20 : 3. i. Kings 1 : 1—4. 11 : 1—10. 15 : 5. i. Chron. 2 : 18, 
19, 46, 48. 3 : 1—9. 4:5. 7 : 4, 14. 8:8, 9. 14 : 3. 28 : 5. n. Chron. . 
11 : 21. 13 : 21. 24 : 2, 3. Isaiah 4 : 1. Hosea 1 : 2, 3, 6, 8. 3 : 1—3. 
Matt. 19 : 3—9. Mark 10 : 11, 12. Luke 90 : 27—36. I. Cor. 11 : 11. t Tim. 

3 : 2, 12. Rev. 21 : 12 b, vers. 4, 5, 13—18, 97. c, vers. 3, 5, 
13—18, 27. 31 : 2, 3, 4. d, vers. 6, 13—18, 27. e, 131 : 1—4. * 
/, 8S : 38, 39. g, vers. 11, 28, 63. h, see c. i, see d. 
j, 38 : 3S, 39. k, vers. 19, 46, 47. 



SEC. cxxxil] commandments. 465 

never but one on the earth at a time, on whom this 
power and the keys of this Priesthood are conferred,) 
are of no efficacy, virtue or force, in and after the re- 
surrection from the dead ; for all contracts that are 
not made unto this end, have an end when men are 
dead. 

8. Behold ! mine house is a house of order, saith a/ 
the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. 

9. Will I accept of ah offering, saith the Lord, that 
is not made in my name ! 

10. Or, will I receive at your hands that which I 
have not appointed ! 

11. And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, 
except it be by *law, even as I and my Father ™or- 
dained unto you, before the world was ! 

12. I am the Lord thy God, and I give unto you 
this commandment, that no man shall come unto the 
Father but by me, or by my word, which is my law, 
saith the Lord ; 

13. And everything that is in the world, whether 
it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or 
powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, 
that are not by me, or by rny word, saith the Lord, 
shall be thrown down, and shall n not remain after men 
are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the 
Lord your God ; 

14. For whatsoever things °remain, are by me ; and 
whatsoever things are not by me, shall be shaken and 
destroyed. 

15. Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the 
world, and he marry her not by me, nor by my word ; 
and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world, 
and she with him, their ^covenant and marriage are 
not of force when they are dead, and when they are 
out of the world ; therefore, they are not bound by 
any law when they are out of the world ; 

l, vers. 5, 63. m, 49 : 15. See I. n, vers. 14—18. 

o, vers. 15—27. p, vers. 16, 17. 

H H 



466 COVENANTS AND [SEO. CXXXII. 

16. Therefore, when they are ?out of the world, 
they neither marry, nor are given in marriage ; but are 
appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering 
servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far 
more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory ; 

17. For these angels did not abide my law, there- 
fore they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately 
and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, 
to all eternity, and from henceforth are not Gods, but 
are angels of God, for ever and ever. 

18. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man 
marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time 
and for all eternity, if that 'covenant is not by me, or 
by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the 
Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have 
anointed and appointed unto this power — then it is 
not valid, neither of force w T hen they are out of the 
world, because they are not joined by me, saith the 
Lord, neither by my word ; when they are out of the 
world, it cannot be received there, because the angels 
and the Gods are appointed there, by whom they can- 
not pass ; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory, for 
my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God. 

19. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man 
marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by 
the *new and everlasting covenant, and it is Sealed 
unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who 
is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power, 
and the keys of this Priesthood ; and it shall be said 
unto them, ye shall come forth in the first resurrection ; 
and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next re- 
surrection ; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, princi- 
palities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths 
— then shall it be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, 
that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed 
innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and 

q, all ordinances must be properly attended to in this world, or they 
will be invalid and of no effect in the world to come. r, vers. 7, 46, 47. 

«, see c t, vers. 7, 46^ 47. 



SEC. CXXXII.] commandments. 467 

commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it 
shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my 
servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all 
eternity, and shall be of full force when they are out 
of the world ; and they shall w pass by the angels, and 
the Gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and 
glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their 
heads, which glory shall be a fullness and a continuation 
of the seeds for ever and ever. 

20. Then shall they be v Gods, because they have 
no end ; therefore shall they be from everlasting to 
everlasting, because they continue ; then shall they be 
above all, because ™all things are subject unto them. 
Then shall they be Gods, because they have all power, 
and the angels are subject unto them. 

21. Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye *abide 
my law, ye cannot attain to this glory ; 

22. For ^strait is the gate, and narrow the way that 
leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of *the 
lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive 
me not in the world, neither do ye know me. 

23. But if ye receive me in the world, then shall 
ye know me, and shall receive 2a your exaltation, that 
where I am, ye shall be also. 

24. This is eternal lives, to know the only wise and 
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am 
he. Receive ye, therefore, my law. 

25. Broad is the gate, and 2& wide the way that 
leadeth to the deaths, and many there are that go in 
thereat ; because they receive me not, neither do they 
abide in my law. 

26. Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man 2c marry 
a wife according to my word, and they are 2d sealed 

«, vers. 16—18, 20. v, 17—19, 37. John 10 : 34, 35. Rev. 14:1. 

22 : 4. w, 50 : 26—28. x, 131 : 1—4. y, ii. Nep. 9 : 41. 

31 : 9, 17, 18. 33 : 9. Alma 37 : 44, 45. Hela. 3 : 29, 30. in. Nep. 14 : 13, 
14. z, continuation of posterity in the eternal world, vers. 30, 31. 

Numbers 16 : 22. Heb. 12 : 9. 2a, John 14 : 2, 3. 26, in. Nep. 

14 : 13. Matt. 7 : 13. 2c, ver. 19. 2d, vers. 7, 19, 20. 



468 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXIL 

by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine 
appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or 
transgression of the 2 *new and everlasting covenant 
whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they 
commit no murder, wherein they shed innocent blood — 
yet 2 Ahey shall come forth in the first resurrection, 
and enter into their exaltation ; but they shall be 
^destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto 
the 2A buffe tings of Satan unto the day of redemption, 
saith the Lord God. 

27. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which 
shall not be forgiven in the world, nor out of the 
world, is in that ye 2 *commit murder, wherein ye shed 
innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye 
have received my 2 ->new and everlasting covenant, saith 
the Lord God ; and he that abideth not this law, can 
in no wise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, 
saith the Lord. 

28. I am the Lord thy God, and will give unto thee 
the law of my Holy Priesthood, as was ordained by me, 
and my Father, before the world was. 

29. Abraham received all things, whatsoever he 
received, by revelation and commandment, by my word, 
saith the Lord, and 2 *hath entered into his exaltation, 
and sitteth upon his throne. 

30. Abraham received promises concerning his seed, 
and of the fruit of his loins, — from whose loins 2 'ye 
are, namely, my servant Joseph, — which were to con- 
tinue so long as they were in the world ; and as touch- 
ing Abraham and his seed, 2m out of the world they 
should continue ; both in the world and out of the 
world should they continue as innumerable as the stars ; 
or, if ye were to count the sand upon the sea shore, ye 
could not number them. 



2e, see c. 2/, vers. 19, 23. 2 g, vers. 41—43, 54, 63, 64. 

2h, see h, Sec. 78. 2i, after having received so great light, if a 

person murders, there is no forgiveness. 42 : 18, 79. 2j, see c. 

2fr, ver. 37. Luke 13 : 28. 21, n. Nep. 3 : 7, 11, 12 v 14—17. 

2m, vers. 19, 31—37. 



SEC. CXXXn.] COMMANDMENTS. 469 

31. This promise is yours, also, because ye are of 
Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham ; 
and by this law are the continuation of the works of 
my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself. 

32. Go ye, therefore, and do the 2 Dorics of Abra- 
ham ; enter ye into my law, and ye shall be saved. 

33. But if ye enter not into my law ye cannot re- 
ceive the promise of my Father, which he made unto 
Abraham. 

34. God commanded Abraham, and Sarah 2o gave 
Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it ? 
Because this was the law, and from Hagar sprang many 
people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other 
things, the promises. 

35. Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation ? 
Verily, I say unto you, Nay ; for I, the Lord, com- 
manded it. 

36. Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; 
nevertheless, it was written, thou shalt not kill. Abra- 
ham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted 
unto him for righteousness. 

37. Abraham received concubines, and they bear 
him children, and it was accounted unto him for right- 
eousness, because they were 2 ^given unto him, and he 
abode in my law, as Isaac also, and Jacob did none 
other things than that which they were commanded ; 
and because they did none other things than that 
which they were commanded, they have entered into 
their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit 
upon thrones, and are not angels, but 2 ?are Gods. 

38. David also received many wives and concu- 
bines, as also Solomon and Moses my servants ; as also 
many others of my servants, from the beginning of 
creation until this time ; and in nothing did they sin, 
save in those things which they 2 'received not of 
me. 

2n, John 8 : 39 2o, Gen. 16. 25 : 12—18. 2p, Gen. 25 : 0. 

2?, 133:55. See v. 2 r, vers. 7, 19, 39. 



470 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXTT. 

39. David's" wives and concubines were* 2 *given 
unto him, of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, 
and others of the prophets who had the keys of this 
power ; and in none of these things did he sin against 
me, save in the case of Uriah and his wife ; and, 
therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and re- 
ceived his portion ; and he shall 2 'not inherit them 
out of the world ; for I gave them unto another, saith 
the Lord. 

40. I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee, 
niy servant Joseph, an appointment, and restore all 
things ; ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto 
you according to my word : 

41. And as ye have asked concerning adultery — 
verily, verily I say unto you, if a man 2w receiveth a 
wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she 
be with another man, and I have not appointed unto 
her by the holy anointing, she hath committed adultery, 
and shall be destroyed. 

42. If she be not in the new and everlasting cove- 
nant, and she be with another man, she has ^com- 
mitted adultery ; 

43. And if her husband be with another woman, 
and he was finder a vow, he hath broken his vow, and 
2w, hath committed adultery, 

44. And if she hath not committed adultery, but is 
innocent, and hath not broken her vow, and she know- 
eth it, and I reveal it unto you, my servant Joseph, 
then shall you have power, by the power of my Holy 
Priesthood, to take her, and give her unto him that 
2 *hath not committed adultery, but hath been faithful; 
for he shall be made ruler over 2 ^many ; 

45. For I have conferred upon you the keys and 
power of the Priesthood, wherein I restore 2z all things, 
and make known unto you all things in due time. 

2s, 7, 19, 38. II. Sam. 12 : 8. 2£, n. Sara. 12 : 11. 15 : 16. 16 : 

20—23. 20 : 3. 2 v., vers. 4—7, 19. 2v, see m, Sec. 42. 

2w } see m, Sec. 42. 2x, see w, Sec. 42. 2y, Luke 19 : 15—26. 

2z, Acts 3 : 21. Isaiah 4 : 1. 



SEC. CXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 471 

' 46. And verily, verily I say unto you, that ^what- 
soever you seal on earth, shall be sealed in heaven ; 
and whatsoever you 36 bind on earth, in my name, and 
by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound 
in the heavens ; and whosesoever sins you 3c remit on 
earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens ; and 
whosesoever sins you 3c *retain on earth, shall be retained 
in heaven. 

47. And again, verily I say, ^whomsoever you bless, 
I will bless, and whomsoever you 3 'curse, I will curse, 
saith the Lord ; for I, the Lord, am thy God. 

48. And again, verily I say unto you, my servant 
Joseph, that whatsoever you give on earth, and to 
whomsoever you 3 ^give any one on earth, by my word, 
and according to my law, it shall be visited with bless- 
ings, and not cursings, and with my power, saith the 
Lord, and shall be without condemnation on earth, and 
in heaven ; 

49. For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with 
thee even unto the end of the world, and through all 
eternity ; for verily, I 3 ^seal upon you your exaltation, 
and prepare a 3i 'throne for you in the kingdom of my 
Father, with Abraham your father. 

50. Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will 
forgive all your sins ; I have seen your sacrifices, in 
obedience to that which I have told you ; go, therefore, 
and I make a way for your escape, as I accepted the 
offering of Abraham, of his son Isaac. 

51. Verily, I say unto you, a commandment I give 
unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I 
have given unto you, that she stay herself, and partake 
not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her ; 
for I did it, saith the Lord, to prove you all, as I did 
Abraham ; and that I might require an offering at your 
hand, by covenant and sacrifice ; 

3 a, see d, Sec. 1. 3&, see d, Sec. 1. Matt. 18 : 18. 3 c, Matt. 

16 : 19. John 20 : 23. 3d, John 20 : 23. 3c, 124 : 93. 

3/, 124 : 93. Zg t ver. 39. dh, ver. 23. 3i, vers. 
19, 37. 



472 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXIL 

52. And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, receive 
3 ^'all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, 
and who are virtuous and pure before me ; and those 
who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall 
be destroyed, saith the Lord God ; 

53. For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey 
my voice ; and I give unto my servant Joseph, that ho 
shall be made ruler over many things, for he hath been 
faithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will 
strengthen him. 

54. And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, 
to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to 
none else. But if she will not abide this command- 
ment, she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord ; for I am 
the Lord thy God, and will destroy her, if she abide 
not in my law ; 

55. But if she will not abide this commandment, 
then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even 
as he hath said ; and I will bless him and multiply him, 
and give unto him an 3 *hundred-fold in this world, of 
fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and 
lands, wives and children, and crowns of eternal lives 
in the eternal worlds. 

56. And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid for- 
give my servant Joseph his trespasses ; and then shall 
she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has tres- 
passed against me ; and I, the Lord thy God, will 
bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to re- 
joice. 

57. And again, I say, let not my servant Joseph 
put his property out of his hands, lest an enemy come 
and destroy him ; for Satan seeketh to destroy ; for I 
am the Lord thy God, and he is my servant ; and be- 
hold ! and lo, I am with him, as I was with Abraham, 
thy father, even unto his exaltation and glory. 

58. Now, as touching the law of the Priesthood, 
there are many things pertaining thereunto. 

3j, ver. 65. 3Ar, Mark 10 : 28—30. 



SEC. CXXXII.] commandments. 473 

59. Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was 
Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him 
that sent me : and I have endowed him with the keys 
of the power of this Priesthood, if he do anything in 
my name, and according to my law, and by my word, 
he will not commit sin, and I will justify him. 

60. Let no one, therefore, set on my servant 
Joseph ; for I will justify him ; for he shall do the 
sacrifice which I require at his hands, for his transgres- 
sions, saith the Lord your God. 

61. And again, as pertaining to the law of the 
Priesthood : If any man espouse a virgin, and desire 
to espouse another, and the first give her consent ; and 
if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and 
have vowed to no other man, then is he justified ; he 
cannot commit adultery, for they are 3 *given unto him ; 
for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth 
unto him and to no one else ; 

62. And if he have ten virgins given unto him by 
this law, 3 ™he cannot commit adultery, for they belong 
to him, and they are given unto him, therefore is he 
justified. 

63. But if one or either of the ten virgins, after 
she is espoused, shall be with another man ; she has 
3 Committed adultery, and shall be destroyed ; for they 
are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, 
according to my commandment, and to fulfill the pro- 
mise which was given by my Father 3o before the 
foundation of the world ; and for their exaltation in 
the eternal worlds, that they may bear 3 ^the souls of 
men ; for herein is the work of my Father continued, 
that he may be glorified. 

64. And again, verily, verily I say unto you, if any 
man have a wife, who holds the keys of this power, and 
he teaches unto her the 3 ^law of my Priesthood, as 

Zl, ver. 48. 3m, 19, 20, 48. 3n, ver. 41. 3o, Titus 

1 : 2. Zp, that is, the souls or spirits of men to be born in heaven. 

Vers. 19, 30. 3g, ver. 52. 



474 COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS. [SEC. CXXXIL 

pertaining to these things, then shall she believe, and 
administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith 
the Lord your God, for I will destroy her ; for I will 
magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide 
in my law. 

65. Therefore, it shall be lawful in me, if she re- 
ceive not this law, for 3r him to receive all things, what- 
soever I, the Lord his God, will give unto him, because 
she did not administer unto him according to my word ; 
and she then becomes the transgressor ; and he is 
exempt from the law of Sarah, who administered unto 
Abraham according to the law, when I 3 *commanded 
Abraham to take Hagar to wife. 

66. And now, as pertaining to this law, verily, verily 
I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you, hereafter ; 
therefore, let this suffice for the present. Behold, I am 
Alpha and Omega. Amen. 

Sr, ver. 55. 3«, vers. 34—37. 



GWPW§r7?^ 



APPENDIX. 



SECTION 133. 

Revelation, called the Appendix, given through Joseph, 
the Seer, at Hiram, Pcrrtage Co., Ohio. 

1. Hearken, ye people of a niy church, saith the 
Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord con- 
cerning you : 

2. The Lord who shall suddenly come 6 to his 
temple ; the Lord who shall come c down upon the 
world with a curse to judgment ; yea, upon all the 
nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly 
among you. 

3. For he shall make d bear his holy arm in the 
eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth 
shall see the salvation of their God. 

4. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, my people ; 
sanctify yourselves ; ^gather ye together, ye people 
of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have 
not been commanded to tarry. 

5. Go ye /out from Babylon. Be ye clean that 
bear the vessels of the Lord. 

6. Call your ^solemn assemblies, and speak often 
one to another. And let every man call upon the 
name of the Lord ; 

7. Yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has 

a, see a, Sec. 1. b, see d, Sec. 36. c, see «, Sec. 1. d, Isa. 
52 : 10. e t see j t Sec. 10. /, see;, Sec. 10. g % see 2r, 
Sec. 88. 



474 COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS. [SEC. CXXXIL 

pertaining to these things, then shall she believe, and 
administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith 
the Lord your God, for I will destroy her ; for I will 
magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide 
in my law. 

65. Therefore, it shall be lawful in me, if she re- 
ceive not this law, for 3r him to receive all things, what- 
soever I, the Lord his God, will give unto him, because 
she did not administer unto him according to my word ; 
and she then becomes the transgressor ; and he is 
exempt from the law of Sarah, who administered unto 
Abraham according to the law, when I 3 *commanded 
Abraham to take Hagar to wife. 

66. And now, as pertaining to this law, verily, verily 
I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you, hereafter ; 
therefore, let this suffice for the present. Behold, I am 
Alpha and Omega. Amen. 

3r, rer. 55. 3 s, vers. 34—37. 



E^^^^O 



APPE NDIX. 



SECTION 133. 

Bevelation, called the Appendix, given through Joseph, 
the Seer, at Hiram, Pcyrtage Co., Ohio. 

1. Hearken, ye people of a my church, saith the 
Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord con- 
cerning you : 

2. The Lord who shall suddenly come 6 to his 
temple ; the Lord who shall come c down upon the 
world with a curse to judgment ; yea, upon all the 
nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly 
among you. 

3. For he shall make d bear his holy arm in the 
eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth 
shall see the salvation of their God. 

4. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, my people ; 
sanctify yourselves ; e gather ye together, ye people 
of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have 
not been commanded to tarry. 

5. Go ye ^out from Babylon. Be ye clean that 
bear the vessels of the Lord. 

6. Call your ^solemn assemblies, and speak often 
one to another. And let every man call upon the 
name of the Lord ; 

7. Yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has 

a, see a, Sec. 1. 6, see d, Sec. 86. c, see «, Sec. 1. d, Isa. 
52 : 10. e t see j t Sec. 10. /, see;, Sec. 10. g t see 2r, 
Sec. 88. 



476 appendix. [sec. cxxxni. 

come when the voice of the Lord is unto you, A go ye 
out of Babylon ; %ather ye out from among the 
nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven 
to the other. 

8. Send forth the elders of ^my church unto *the 
nations which are afar off ; unto the islands of the 
sea ; send forth unto foreign lands ; call upon all 
nations ; firstly, *upon the Gentiles, and then ™upon 
the Jews. 

9. And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and 
the voice of the Lord unto all people : n Go ye forth 
unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people 
may be enlarged, and that her °Stakes may be strength- 
ened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions 
round about ; 

10. Yea, let the cry go forth among all people : 
Awake and arise and go forth to ?meet the Bridegroom : 
behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to 
meet him. Prepare yourselves for the ?great day of 
the Lord. 

11. Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day 
nor the hour. 

12. Let them therefore, who are r among the Gen- 
tiles, flee unto Zion. 

13. And let them who be of 5 Judah flee unto 
Jerusalem, unto the mountains of the Lord's house. 

14 Go ye out from among the nations, 'even from 
Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is 
spiritual Babylon. 

15. But verily, thus saith the Lord, Let not your 
flight be in w haste, but let all things be prepared before 
you ; and he that goeth let him not v look back, lest 
sudden destruction shall come upon him. 



h, see j t Sec. 10. i, see ;', Sec. 10. j, see a, Sec. 1. k, see b, 
Sec. 1. I, see o, Sec. 18. m, see o, Sec. 18. n, see j, Sec. 10. 
o, see g, Sec. 87. p, see e, Sec. 1. q t see e, Sec. 1. r, see j t 
Sec. 10. s, see o, Sec. 45. t t see j, Sec. 10. «, see;, Sec. 10. 
v, Gen. 19 : 26. 



sec. cxxxni.] APPENDIX. 477 

7 16. Hearken and hear, ye inhabitants of the 
earth. Listen ye elders of "'my church together, and 
hear the voice of the Lord, for he calleth upon all 
toien, and he commandeth *all men everywhere to re- 
pent ; 

17. For, behold, the Lord God hath ^sent forth the 
angel crying through the midst of heaven, saying, 
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths 
straight, for the %our of his coming is nigh, 

18. When the Lamb shall 2a stand upon Mount 
Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand, 
having his Father's name written on their foreheads : 

19. Wherefore, prepare ye for the 2& coming of the 
Bridegroom ; go ye, go ye out to meet him, 

20. For behold, he shall 2c stand upon the mount of 
Olivet, and upon the mighty ocean, even the great 
deep, and upon the islands of the sea, and 2 %pon the 
land of Zion ; 

21. And he shall 2<? utter his voice out of Zion, and 
he shall ^speak from Jerusalem, and his 2 ^ voice shall 
be heard among all people, 

22. And it shall be a voice as of the 2A voice of 
many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, 
which 2 *shall break down the mountains, and the ^'val- 
leys shall not be found ; 

23. He shall command the great deep, and it shall be 
driven back into the north countries, and the 2 ^islands 
shall become one land, 

24. And the land of Jerusalem and the land of 
Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the 
earth shall be like as it was in the days 2 *before it was 
divided. 

25. And the Lord, even the Saviour, shall stand in 

w, see a, Sec. 1. x, see b, Sec. 1. y, see Sections 13, 27. 

z, see e, Sec. 1. 2a, Rev. 14 : 1. 2b, see e, Sec. 1. 2c, 45 : 48. 

2d, in. Nep. 20: 22. 21 : 25. 2e, Joel 3: 16. 2/, Joel 3 : 16. 

2g, 45 : 49. 2h, 110 : 3. Rev. 19 : 6. 2?", ver. 40. 49 : 23. Isaiah 

40 : 4. 2j, see 2i. 2k s ver. 24. Rev. 6 : 15. 21, Gen. 

10 : 25. Isaiah 62 : 4. 



478 APPENDIX. [SEC. CXXXIII. 

the midst of his people, and shall 2m reign over all 
flesh. 

26. And they who are in the 2n north countries shall 
come in remembrance before the Lord, and their pro- 
phets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay 
themselves, and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice 
shall flow down at their presence. 

27. And an 2o highway shall be cast up in the midst 
of the great deep. 

28. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, 

29. And in the 2 ^barren deserts there shall come 
forth pools of living water ; and the 2 ^parched ground 
shall no longer be a thirsty land. 

30. And they shall bring forth their rich treasures 
unto the children of Ephraiin my servants. 

t- 31. And the boundaries of the 2 Everlasting hills 
shall tremble at their presence. 

32. And there shall they fall down and be crowned 
with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants 
of the Lord, even the 2 *children of Ephraim ; 

33. And they shall be filled with 2 *songs of ever- 
lasting joy. 

34. Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting 
God upon the tribes of Israel, and the 2w richer blessing 
upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows. 

35. And they also of the tribe of Judah, 2r after 
their pain, shall be sanctified in holiness before the 
Lord to dwell in his presence, day and night, for ever 
and ever. 

36. And now, verily saith the Lord, That these 
things might be known among you, inhabitants of 
the earth, I have 2u, sent forth mine angel, flying through 
the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who 

2m, see e, Sec. 1. 2n, the ten tribes. 2o, Isaiah 51 : 9—11. 

85 : 8—10. 2p, Isaiah 35 : 6, 7. 2q, Isaiah 35 : 6, 7. 2r, the 

great chain of the Rocky mountains. 2 s, I. Chron. 5 : 1. Gen. 48: 

16, 19. 49 : 22—26. Deut. 33 : 13—17. 2*, Isaiah 35 : 10. 51 : 11. 

Jer. 31 : 12. 2 a, see 2s. 2v, 45 : 51—53. Zech. 12 ; 10—14. 

2w t Rev. 14: 6. 



SEC. CXXXHI.] appendix. 479 

hath appeared unto 2iC some, and hath committed it 
unto man, who shall appear unto 2 ^many that dwell 
on the earth ; 

37. And this gospel shall be preached 2 *unto every 
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 

38. And the servants of God shall go forth, saying, 
with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him, for 
the hour of his judgment is come : 

39. And worship him that made heaven, and earth, 
and the sea, and the fountains of waters, 

40. Calling upon the name of the Lord day and 
night, saying, that thou wouldst 3a rend the heavens, 
that thou wouldst come down, that the mountains 
might flow down at thy presence. 

41. And it shall be answered upon their heads, for 
the presence of the Lord shall be as the 3& melting fire 
that burneth, and as the fire which causeth the waters 
to boil. 

42. Lord thou shalt come down to make thy 
name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall 
Sc tremble at thy presence. 

43. When thou doest 3 terrible things — things they 
look not for ; 

44. Yea, when thou comest down, and the ^moun- 
tains flow down at thy presence, thou shalt meet him 
who rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, who remem- 
bereth thee in thy ways ; 

45. For since the beginning of the world have not 
men heard nor perceived by the ear, neither hath any 
eye seen, God, besides thee, how 3 ^great things thou 
hast prepared for him that w^aiteth for thee. 

46. And it shall be said, 3 ^Who is this that cometh 
down from God in heaven with dyed garments ; yea, 
from the regions which are not known, clothed in his 

2#, 20: 6. See testimony of three witnesses, Book of Mormon. 

2v, 77 : 8. 88 : 103, 104. 2z, Rev. 14 : 6. 3 a, Isaiah 64 : 1. 

3d, Isaiah 64 : 2. 3c, Isaiah 64 : 2. 3d, Isaiah 64 : 3. 

8e, Isaiah 64 : 3. 3/, Isaiah 64 : 4. Sg, Isaiah 63 ; 1. 



480 appendix. [sec. cxxxm, 

glorious apparel, traveling in the greatness of his 
strength ? 

47. And he shall say, I am he who spake in right- 
eousness, mighty to save. I 

48. And the Lord shall be 3A red in his apparel, 
and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine 
vat, 

49. And so great shall be the 3l glory of his pres- 
ence, that the sun shall hide 3 - ? his face in shame ; and 
the moon shall withhold its light ; and the stars shall 
be 3Ar hurled from their places ; 

50. And his voice shall be heard, 3l I have trodden 
the wine-press alone, and have brought judgment upon 
all people ; and none were with me ; 

51. And I have trampled them in my fury, and I 
did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood 
have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all my 
raiment ; for this was the 3rn day of vengeance which 
was in my heart. 

52. And now the 3n year of my redeemed is come, 
and they shall mention the loving kindness of their 
Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them accord- 
ing to his goodness, and according to his loving kind- 
ness, for ever and ever. 

53. In all their afflictions he was afflicted. And 
the angel of his presence saved them ; and in his love, 
and in his pity, he redeemed them, and bear them, and 
carried them all the days of old ; 

54. Yea, and Enoch also, and they who were with 
him ; the prophets who were before him ; and Noah 
also, and they who were before him, and Moses also, 
and they who were before him ; 

ft 55. And from Moses to 3o Elijah ; and from 3 ^Elijah 
to John, who were with Christ in his resurrection, and 

3h> Isaiah 63 : 2. 3i\ Isaiah 24 : 23. See n, Sec. 29. Sj, Isaiah 

24 : 23. 3fc, Isaiah 13 : 9—12. See n, Sec. 29. SI, Isaiah 

63 : 3. 3771, Isaiah 63 : 4. 3«, Isaiah 63 ; 4, 7—9. do, see a, 

Sec. 2. 3p, see a, Sec. 2. 



SEC. CXXXIII.] APPENDIX'. 481 

the holy apostles, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 
shall be in the presence of the Lamb. 

56. And the 3 ^graves of the saints shall be opened, 
and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand 
of the Lamb, when he shall 3 'stand upon Mount Zion, 
and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem, and they 
shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night, for 
ever and ever. 

57. And for this cause, that men might be made 
partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, 
the Lord sent forth the fullness of his gospel, his 
3 -'everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and sim- 
plicity, 

58. To prepare the 3 *weak for those things which 
are coming on the earth, and for the Lord's errand in 
the day when the weak should confound the wise, and 
3w the little one become a strong nation, and 3v two 
should put their tens of thousands to flight ; 

59. And by the weak things of the earth the 
Lord should thresh the nations by the power of his 
Spirit. 

60. And for this cause these commandments were 
given ; they were commanded to be kept from the world 
in the day that they w r ere given, but now are to 3w, go 
forth unto all flesh. 

61. And this according to the mind and will of the 
Lord, who ruleth over all flesh. 

62. And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth 
himself before the Lord, shall be given eternal life ; 

63. And upon them that hearken not to the voice 
of the Lord, shall be fulfilled that which was written 
by the Prophet Moses, that they should be 3 *cut off 
from among the people. 

I 64. And also that which was written by the 3 #pro- 

3 q, see m, Sec. 29. 3r, see 2d. 3s, see k, Sec. 1. Zt, seej, 

Sec. 1. Zu, Isaia-h 60 : 22. Zv, Deut. 32 : 29, 30. Zio, see b, 

Sec. 1. Zx, i. Nep. 22 : 20, 21. in. Nep. 20 : 23. 21 : 11. Acts 3 : 

22, 23. Zy, Mai. 4 : 1. 

I I 



482 appendix. [sec. cxxxm. 

phet Malachi ; for, behold, the day cometh that shall 
burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that 
do wickedly, shall be stubble ; and the day that cometh 
shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it 
shall leave them neither root nor branch. 

65. Wherefore, this shall be the answer of the Lord 
unto them : — 

66. In that day when I came unto my own, no man 
among you received me, and you were driven out. 

67. When I called again, there was none of you to 
answer, yet my 3z arm was not shortened at all, that I 
could not redeem, neither my power to deliver. 

68. Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make 
the rivers a wilderness ; their fish stinketh, and dieth 
*br thirst. 

69. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and make 
sackcloth their covering. 

70. And this shall ye have of my hand, — 4a ye shall 
lay down in sorrow. 

71. Behold and lo, there are none to deliver you, 
for ye obeyed not my voice when I called to you out 
of the heavens ; ye believed not my servants, and 
46 when they were sent unto you ye received them not ; 

72. W T herefore 4c they sealed up the testimony and 
bound up the law, and ye were delivered over unto 
darkness ; 

73. These shall go away into 4(? outer darkness, 
where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of 
teeth. 

74. Behold the Lord your God hath spoken it. 
Amen. 



32, Isaiah 50 : 2. 4 a, Isaiah 50 : 11 4&, h. Nep. 28 : 32, 
4 c, see d, Sec. 1. 3 a", see e, Sec. 19. 



SEC. CXXXIV.] APPENDIX. 483 

SECTION 134. 

OF GOVERNMENTS AND LAWS IN GENERAL. 

That our belief with regard to earthly governments and 
laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor 
misunderstood, we have tlwught proper to present 
near the close of this volume our opinion concerning 
the same. 

1. We believe that governments were instituted of 
God for the benefit of man, and that he holds men 
accountable for their acts in relation to them, either in 
making laws or administering them, for the good and 
safety of society. 

2. We believe that no government can exist in 
peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate 
as will secure to each individual the free exercise of 
conscience, the right and control of property, and the 
protection of life. 

3. We believe that all governments necessarily re- 
quire civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of 
the same, and that such as will administer the law in 
equity and justice, should be sought for and upheld by 
the voice of the people (if a republic,) or the will of the 
sovereign. 

4. We believe that religion is instituted of God, 
and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, 
for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions 
prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties 
of others ; but we do not believe that human law has 
a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to 
bind the consciences of men, nor (dictate forms for 
public or private devotion ; that the civil magistrate 
should restrain crime, but never control conscience ; 
should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of 
the soul. 



484 APPENDIX. [SEC. CXXXIV. 

5. We believe that all men are bound to sustain 
and uphold the respective governments in which they 
reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable 
rights by the laws of such governments ; and that sedi- 
tion and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus 
protected, and should be punished accordingly ; and 
that all governments have a right to enact such laws as 
in their own judgment are best calculated to secure the 
public interest, at the same time, however, holding 
sacred the freedom of conscience. 

6. We believe that every man should be honored 
in his station : rulers and magistrates as such, being 
placed for the protection of the innocent, and the pun- 
ishment of the guilty ; and that to the laws, all men 
owe respect and deference, as without them peace and 
harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror ; 
human laws being instituted for the express purpose of 
regulating our interests as individuals and nations, 
between man and man, and divine laws given of 
heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for 
faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his 
Maker. 

7. We believe that rulers, states, and governments, 
have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the pro- 
tection of all citizens in the free exercise of their re- 
ligious belief ; but we do not believe that they have a 
right in justice, to deprive citizens of this privilege, or 
proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard 
and reverence are shown to the laws, and such religious 
opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy. 

8. We believe that the commission of crime should 
be punished according to the nature of the offence ; 
that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of 
the general peace, in all respects, should be punished 
according to their criminality, and their tendency to 
evil among men, by the laws of that government in 
which the offence is committed ; and for the public 
peace and tranquility, all men should step forward and 



SEO. CXXXIY.] APPENDIX. 485 

use their ability in bringing offenders against good 
laws to punishment. 

9. We do not believe it just to mingle religious 
influence with civil government, whereby one religious 
society is fostered, and another proscribed in its spiritual 
privileges, and the individual rights of its members as 
citizens, denied. 

10. We believe that all religious societies have a 
right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct 
according to the rules and regulations of such societies, 
provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good 
standing ; but we do not believe that any religious 
society has authority to try men on the right of pro- 
perty or life, to take from them this world's goods, or 
to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, neither 
to inflict any physical punishment upon them, they can 
only excommunicate them from their society, and with- 
draw from them their fellowship. 

11. We believe that men should appeal to the civil 
law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where 
personal abuse is inflicted, or the right of property or 
character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect 
the same ; but we believe that all men are justified in de- 
fending themselves, their friends, and property, and the 
government, from the unlawful assaults and encroach- 
ments of all persons, in times of exigency, where imme- 
diate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded. 

12. We believe it just to preach the gospel to the 
nations of the earth, and warn the righteous to save 
themselves from the corruption of the world ; but we 
do not believe it right to interfere with bond servants, 
neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them, contrary 
to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle 
with or influence them in the least, to cause them to 
be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby 
jeopardizing the lives of men ; such interference we 
believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to 
the peace of every government allowing human beings 
to be held in servitude. 



486 APPENDIX. [sec. cxxxv. 



SECTION 135. 

Martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his 
brother Hyrum. 

1. To seal the testimony of this book and the Book 
of Mormon, we announce the Martyrdom of Joseph 
Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. 
They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 
1844, about five o'clock p.m., by an armed mob, painted 
black — of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot 
first and fell calmly, exclaiming, " I am a dead man ! " 
Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in 
the attempt, exclaiming, " Lord my God ! " They 
were both shot after they were dead in a brutal manner, 
and both received four balls. 

2. John Taylor, and Willard Richards, two of the 
Twelve, were the only persons in the room at the time ; 
the former was wounded in a savage manner with four 
balls, but has since recovered ; the latter, through the 
providence of God, escaped, " without even a hole in 
his robe." 

3. Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the 
Lord, has done more (save Jesus only,) for the salvation 
of men in this world, than any other man that ever 
lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he 
has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he 
translated by the gift and power of God, and has been 
the means of publishing it on two continents ; has sent 
the fullness of the everlasting gospel which it contained 
to the four quarters of the earth ; has brought forth 
the revelations and commandments which compose this 
Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise 
documents and instructions for the benefit of the 
children of men ; gathered many thousands of the 
Latter-day Saints, founded a great city ; and left a 
fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, 
and he died great in the eyes of God and his people, 



SEC. CXXXV.] APPENDIX. 487 

and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, 
has sealed his mission and his works with his own 
blood — and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they 
were not divided, and in death they were not 
separated ! 

4. When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver him- 
self up to the pretended requirements of the law, two 
or three days previous to his assassination, he said, " I 
am going like a lamb to the slaughter ; but I am calm 
as a summer's morning ; I have a conscience void of 
offence towards God, and towards all men. I shall 

DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME — HE 

was murdered in cold blood." The same morning, 
after Hyrum had made ready to go — shall it be said to 
the slaughter ? Yes, for so it was, — he read the follow- 
ing paragraph, near the close of the fifth chapter of 
Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down the 
leaf upon it : — 

5. " And it came to pass that I prayed unto the 
Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that 
they might have charity. And it came to pass that 
the Lord said unto me, if they have not charity, it 
mattereth not unto you, thou hast been faithful ; 
wherefore thy garments are clean. And because thou 
hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, 
even unto the sitting down in the place which I have 
prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I 

bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea and also 

unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet 
before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men 
shall know that my garments are not spotted with 
your blood. " The testators are now dead, and their 
testament is in force. 

6. Hyrum Smith was 44 years old, February, 1844, 
and Joseph Smith was 38 in December, 1843 ; and 
henceforward their names will be classed among the 
martyrs of religion ; and the reader in every nation 
will be reminded that the " Book of Mormon," and 
this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church, 



488 APPENDIX. [SEC. CXXXVL 

cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring 
them forth for the salvation of a ruined world : and 
that if the fire can scathe a green tree for the glory of 
God, how easy it will burn up the " dry trees ' to 
purify the vineyard of corruption. They lived for 
glory ; they died for glory ; and glory is their eternal 
reward. From age to age shall their names go down 
to posterity as gems for the sanctified. 

7. They were innocent of any crime, as they had 
often been proved before, and were only confined 
in jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked men ; 
and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail, 
is a broad seal affixed to " Mormonism " that cannot 
be rejected by any court on earth ; and their innocent 
blood on the escutcheon of the State of Illinois, with 
the broken faith of the State as pledged by the 
Governor, is a witness to the truth of the everlasting 
gospel, that all the world cannot impeach ; and their 
innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the 
magna charta of the United States, is an ambassador 
for the religion of Jesus Christ, that will touch the 
hearts of honest men among all nations ; and their 
innocent blood, with the innocent blood of all the 
martyrs under the altar that John saw, will cry unto 
the Lord of hosts, till he avenges that blood on the 
earth. Amen. 



SECTION 136. 



Tlte Word and Will of the Lord, given through Presi- 
dent Brigham Young, at the Winter Quarters of the 
Camp of Israel, Omaha Nation, West Bank of Mis- 
souri River, near Council Bluffs, January 14^,1847. 

1. The word and will of the Lord concerning the 
Camp of Israel in their journey ings to the West. : 



SEC. CXXXVI.] APPENDIX. 489 

2. Let all the people of the "Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, 
be organized into companies, with a covenant and pro- 
mise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the 
Lord our God. 

3. Let the ^companies be organized with captains of 
hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens, with 
a president and his two counselors at their head, under 
the direction of the C T welve Apostles ; 

4. And this shall be our covenant, that we will walk 
in all the ordinances of the Lord. 

5. Let each company provide themselves with all 
the teams, wagons, provisions, clothing, and other neces- 
saries for the journey that they can. 

6. When the companies are organized, let them go 
to with their might, to prepare for those who are to 
tarry. 

7. Let each company with their captains and presi- 
dents decide how many can go next spring ; then choose 
out a sufficient number of able-bodied and expert men, 
to take teams, seeds, and farming utensils, to go as 
pioneers to prepare for putting in spring crops. 

8. Let each company bear an d equal proportion, ac- 
cording to the dividend of their property, in taking the 
poor, the widows, the fatherless, and the families of 
those who have gone into the army, that the cries of 
the widow and the fatherless come not up into the ears 
of the Lord against this people. 

9. Let each company prepare houses, and fields for 
raising grain, for those who are to remain behind this 
season, and this is the will of the Lord concerning his 
people. 

10. Let every man use all his influence and property 
to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall 
locate a e Stake of Zion ; 



a, see a, Sec. 1. &, Exod. 18 : 21—27. c, 107 : 24. d, 38 : 

24—27 42 : 30. e, see g, Sec. 87. 



490 APPENDIX. [SEC. CXXXVI. 

11. And if ye do this with a pure heart, in all faith- 
fulness, ye shall be blessed ; you shall be blessed in 
your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and 
in your houses, and in your families. 

12. Let my servants Ezra T. Benson and Erastus 
Snow organize a company ; 

13. And let my servants Orson Pratt and Wilford 
Woodruff organize a company. 

14. Also, let my servants Amasa Lyman and George 
A. Smith organize a company ; 

15. And appoint presidents, and captains of hun- 
dreds, and of fifties, and of tens, 

16. And let my servants that have been appointed 
go and teach this my will to the saints, that they may 
be ready to go to a land of peace. 

17. Go thy way and do as I have told you, and fear 
not thine enemies ; for they shall not have power to 
stop my work. 

18. Zion shall be /redeemed in mine own due time, 

19. And if any man shall seek to build up himself, 
and seeketh not my counsel, he shall have no power, 
and his folly shall be made manifest. 

20. Seek ye and keep all your pledges one with 
another, and covet not that w T hich is thy brother's. 

21. Keep yourselves from evil to take the #name of 
the Lord in vain, for I am the Lord your God, even the 
God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, 
and of Jacob. 

22. I am he who led the children of Israel out of 
the land of Egypt, and my arm is stretched out in the 
last days to save my people Israel. 

23. Cease to ^contend one with another, cease to 
%peak evil one of another. 

24. Cease drunkenness, and let your words tend to 
edifying one another. 

/, see h, Sec. 103. a, 63 : 61—64. h, in. Xep. 11 : 29, 30. 

h 20 ; 54. 88 ; 124. 



SEC. CXXXVI.] appendix. 491 

25. If thou borrowest of thy neighbour, thou shalt 
return that which thou hast borrowed ; and if thou 
canst not repay, then go straightway and tell thy neigh- 
bor, lest he condemn thee. 

26. If thou shalt find that which thy neighbor has 
lost, thou shalt make diligent search till thou shalt 
deliver it to him again. 

27. Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou 
hast, that thou mayest be a %ise steward ; for it is 
the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his 
steward. 

28. If thou art merry, praise the Lord with sing- 
ing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of 
praise and thanksgiving. 

29. If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy 
God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful. 

30. .Fear not thine enemies, for they are in mine 
hands, and I will do my pleasure with them. 

31. My people must be tried in all things, that 
they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have 
for them, even the glory of Zion, and he that will 
not *bear chastisement, is not worthy of my king- 
dom. 

32. Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by 
humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, 
that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his 
ears opened that he may hear, 

33. For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to 
enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the con- 
demnation of the ungodly. 

34. Thy brethren have rejected you and your testi- 
mony, even the nation that has driven you out ; 

35. And now cometh the day of their calamity, 
even the days of sorrow, like a woman that is taken in 
travail ; and their sorrow shall be great, unless they 
speedily repent ; yea, very speedily ; 

j, see o, Sec. 42. Jc, 90 : 36. 97 : 26. 



492 APPENDIX. [riEC. CXXXVI, 

36. For they killed the prophets, and them that 
were sent unto them, and they have shed 'innocent 
blood, which crieth from the ground against them : 

37. Therefore marvel not at these things, for ye are 
not pure ; ye can not yet bear my glorv ; but ye shall 
behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words that 
I have given you from the days of Adam to Abraham ; 
from Abraham to Moses ; from Moses to Jesus and his 
apostles ; and from Jesus and his apostles to Joseph 
Smith, whom I did call upon by mine angels, my 
ministering servants ; and by mine own voice out of 
the heavens to bring forth my work, 

38. Which foundation he did lay, and was faithful 
and I took him to myself. 

39. Many have marveled because of his death, but 
it was needful that he should ^seal his testimony with 
his blood, that he might be honored, and the wicked 
might be condemned. 

40. Have I not delivered you from your enemies, 
only in that I have left a witness of my name ? 

41. Now, therefore, hearken, ye people of my 
church ; and ye elders listen together ; you have re- 
ceived my kingdom. 

42. Be diligent in keeping all my commandments, 
lest judgment come upon you, and your faith fail you, 
and your enemies triumph over you. — So no more at 
present. Amen, and Amen. 

I, 58 : 53. 03 : 28— SI. Rev. 18 : 24. 19 : 2. i. Nep. 14 : 13. 22 : 14. 
Ii. Nep. 5 : 10e Mor. 8, 27, 40, 41. Ether 8 : 22—24. m, Sec. 135. 



INDEX. 



A. 

TAGS 

Aarohic Priesthood restored • 108 

Aaronic Priesthood, Power of the 385 

Aaronic Priesthood, everlasting 290 

Abominable church to be destroyed by fire . . 144 

Abstaining from meats not of God 197 

Adam Ondi-Ahnmn . , . . 415 

Adulterer, The, to be cast out 171 

Adulterer, how tried .» 176 

Adultery 234 

Address to the saints in Nauvoo, by J. S 448 

All things to be done by common consent 141 

All people to be warned 77 

All men must believe and repent 124 

All liars, whoremongers, sorcerers, have part in the lake of fire . . 234 

A man like Moses promised «. . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 

Ancient of Days .. 415 

Angel Moroni 138 

Angel Moses 405 

Angel Elijah ., 405 

Angel Elias 405 

Angel John (the baptist) 103 

Angels Peter, James and John 139 

Angel Michael .. .. 389 

Angels Gabriel and Raphael 457 

Angels or spirits, Good or bad, how known.. 459 

Apostles to judge the house of Israel 143 

Apostates, Heaviest of all cursings on 167 

Appointments in the Priesthood • 444 

Appendix ** .. „ 475 

Apocrypha '.. .. 327 

Archangel's trump - • • • • 145 

Authority of various Councils 385 

Authority of the Priesthood , 248 



B. 

Babylon, Destruction of.. " 241 

Babylon to be burned . . 315 

Babylon, Depart out of . . ,. ,. « 475 



494 INDEX. 

PAOB 

Baptism, Mode of.. 128 

Baptism for the dead 450 

Baptism for the dead, The nature of 453 

Baptism, Whom to receive unto 125 

Baptism for the dead to be administered in a Temple 433 

Baptism necessary 295 

Baptismal font 454 

Best gifts to be sought for 191 

Bishops appointed 168 

Bishops' duties 257 

Bishops, how tried .. .. .. .. .. 250 

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord 237 

Blessed are the faithful 199 

Blessed are the poor who are pure in heart 214 

Blessings on those who properly observe the sabbath 224 

Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost unpardonable 468 

Boarding House to be built .. .. ., 436 

Book of Mormon the stick of Ephraim .. .. 138 

Book of MOrmon, what it is • . . 122 

Book of Mormon, Faith in, necessary 294 

Breastplate.. Ill 

Brigham Young, president of the Twelve . . . . • 445 



C 

Cases of appeal .... . . . . 362 

Calling and duties of the Twelve . . . . 115 

Call for the saints to build a temple 432 

Celestial glory . . ■ • , , 271 

Certificate necessary 258 

Children to be blessed . . . . 128 

Children to be taught 251 

Children to become old, and then to be changed 237 

Children, till of age, have claim upon their parents 288 

Christ the light Of the sun, moon, &c 306 

Christ the Law-giver of His people 162 

Church, Rise of the ■ . . 121 

Church, when organized .. 130 

City of Zion, The place of the .. 215 

Clerk, Duty of the Lord's 300 

Common consent, All things to be done by.. 137 

Covenant of the Priesthood . . , . 292 

Covenant, Apostacy from the, unpardonable 292 

Commandments to the church 170 

Commandments to those who dwell in Zion 223 

Commandment to build a Temple 336 

Coming of the Son of Man, Time of the . . 461 

Cowdery, Oliver, Revelation to „ , 95 

i ii »» i> i» •-• •• *• •• •• •• « 140 



INDEX. 495 

PAGE 

Cowdery, Oliver, and others, Revelation to.. „ „ " m ., m 

»» »» >» »> »» >i •• •• •• •• •• 132 

Cursing instead of a blessing 134 

Curse of flies 144 



D. 

Day of warning .. .. .. „ .. 238 

Day of the Lord m .. « .. 186 

Day of vengeance ,. .. 410 

Day of sacrifice . . . . . . . . . . 241 

Day of the Lord draweth nigh 382 

David W. Patten 412 

Dangers upon the waters .. .. .. .. .. . .. 228 

Devil, The, as an angel of light .. 459 

Devil before Adam 146 

Devil to have no more power over the saints . . 318 

Death sweet to the righteous 173 

Death, The Lord proveth his saints unto 342 

Destroyer gone forth 379 

Dedication prayer of the Kirtland Temple 395 

Duties of the Twelve . . . . . . . . 387 

Duties of the Priesthood 383 

Duties of the Seventies . . . . 387 

Duties of the Elders 125 

Duties of parents 250 

Duties of the saints in relation to persecutors 426 



E. 

Earth to be transfigured . . , 234 

Earth to become a Urim and Thummim 460 

Earth, the saints' inheritance for ever 307 

Earthquakes 314 

Elders to go two by two and preach the gospel 169 

Elders, The duty of 125 

Elders to preach what is taught in the Bible and Book of Mormon . . 170 

Elements eternal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331 

Eleventh hour 152 

Elias appeared 405 

Elijah appeared . . 405 

Emma Smith, Revelation to 135 

Endowment promised 381 

Enoch, Revelation to 280 

Enoch, Revelation to, or Order of Zion 368 

Ensign, Zion as an 243 

Equality 280 

Eternal God of all other Gods 9 423 



496 INDEX. 

PAGE 

Eternal punishment IIS 

Eternity of the marriage covenant 4C3 

Everlasting inheritance promised 101 

Every man to have according to his works .. .. .. .. .. 287 

Ever}' man to stand in his own office and calling 299 

Explanation of i. Corinthians 7 : 11 2C0 



F. 

Fall of Satan .. 267 

Fall of man 147 

False spirits, Revelation on 198 

False spirits, how detected 201 

False spirits, how dealt with 201 

False revelations . . . . . . '. 141 

False spirits, Many 199 

Far West City 413 

Far West, Revelation concerning 413 

Faith cometh not by signs 233 

Faith, Lecture 1 1 

Faith, Lecture II 9 

Faith, Lecture III 35 

Faith, Lecture IV 45 

Faith, Lecture V 54 

Faith, Lecture VI 61 

Faith, Lecture VII 05 

Flesh of beasts and fowls for the use of man 197 

Foolish virgins 237 

Forgive one another 240 

Forgive all men 240 

Forsake evil . . 342 

Fullness of John's record promised 329 



Garments to be plain 










172 


Gathering 










143 


Gathering not to be in haste 










476 


Gilbert, Sidney, Revelation to 










209 


Glory Celestial 










271 


Glory Terrestrial 










271 


Glory Tel estial 










272 


Glory of the last dispensation 










456 


Glory of Zion . . 










189 


God requires the heart and a willing mind . 










242 


God's army 










381 


Gods, The saints to become 










467 


Gospel to go from the Gentiles to Israel 










109 



INDEX. 



497 



Gospel to be preached to every creature 
Government and laws in genera] 
Good or bad angels or spirits, how known 
Great day of the Lord 



TAQE 

223 
483 
459 
180 



H. 

Hail-storm, A destructive 144 

Harris, Martin, Commandment to . . 117 

Heaven, Two kinds of beings in . . . . 459 

Heaven, Silence in 315 

Heavens opened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405 

He that seeketh the Lord shall find Him 311 

He only, that endures to the end, shall be saved 210 

Heathen to come forth in the first resurrection 188 

Hell, Lift up his eyes in 370 

High Priests to officiate as Bishops 250 

High Council organized in Kirtland 359 

History, Church 130 

History to be kept by John \Yhitnier 194 

Holy Ghost, a personage of Spirit 462 

Holy Ghost, its gifts and ordinances 192 

Holy ordinances to be administered in a Temple only 433 

House to be built unto the Lord . . 289 

Hyrum Smith appointed Patriarch 440 

Hyde, Orson, and others, Revelation to 248 



I. 



Idleness forbidden 

Idler to have no place in the church 
Idlers displeasing to the Lord 
Immaterial matter does not exist 
Immensity of space filled with light . . 
Immersion in water 
Intelligence not created or made 
Interpretation of God of Sabaoth 
Instructions to Elders on Missions . . 
Instruction, Important items of 
Israel, God's dealings with 



173 

264 
251 
463 
306 
128 
330 
335 
296 
460 
290 



J. 



Jesus Christ from all eternity 

John, the Apostle, to tarry 

John, the Apostle, to gather the ten tribes. . 

John, the Apostle, administers 

John,, the baptist, restores the Aaronic Priesthood 



164 
93 
279 
139 
108 



K K 



498 



INDEX. 



Joseph Smith, Senior, with Abraham 

Joseph to hold the sealing power " 

Joseph, the prophet, the only revelator to the church 

Joseph inspired 

Joseph Knight, Revelation to 



PAGE 

431 
464 
140 
130 
107 



K. 

Key to John's revelation "■ 275 

Keys to the lesser Priesthood 291 

Keys, by whom borne 138 

Kings, Proclamation to 429 

Kings, To become 270 

Kingdoms likened unto a field. 3]0 

Kingdoms, Promise of 4Qq 

Kirtland Temple visions 404 

Kirtland Temple, dedicatory prayer 395 

Knowledge, A fullness of 330 

Knowledge to be poured down from heaven 423 



Lamanites to blossom as the rose 
Lamanites to be preached to . . 

Lamb's Book of Life 

Land where Adam dwelt 

Lands to be purchased 

Land to be blessed in the latter days . . 

Land of Zion to be purchased. . 

Laws concerning enemies 

Laws of the land, Let no man break the 

Laws of the land to be observed 

Laughter, Much, is sin 

Light, the power of God 

Light fills immensity 

Light of truth not created 

Lightnings to speak 

lives, Eternal 

Little children are redeemed and cannot sin 

Lord to utter his voice from heaven 

Lord forgives those who confess their sins, and ask forgiveness 
Lyman Sherman, Revelation concerning 



198 
141 
466 
416 
215 
229 
235 
343 
219 
342 
224 
306 
306 
330 
180 
467 
147 
180 
239 
394 



M. 

Man in the beginning with God 330 

Manuscripts taken, Revelations on the 81 

Marriage ordained for man • . . . . . . . 197 



INDEX. A 9 9 

PACU 

Marriage for eternity 460 

Marriage Plural 473 

Many called, but few chosen .. .. .. .. .. ., .. 423 

Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith 480 

Martin Harris, Commandment to 117 

Marks, William, and others, Revelation concerning . . . . . . 415 

Marsh, Thomas B., Revelation to .. .. .. 149 

Members, Duties of, after baptism 127 

Meetings to be directed by the Holy Spirit 191 

Meetings, how conducted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 

Melchisedek Priesthood 383 

Melchisedek Priesthood, Power of the 384 

Melchisedek Priesthood, Authority of the 385 

Millennium 181 

Millennium, No graves to be made in the 237 

Miracles not to be required 135 

Miracles wrought by faith 156 

Ministering angels of the last days 138 

Miraculous directors Ill 

Missouri the land of promise— Zion's location 215 

Murderer, A, hath no forgiveness 170 



N. 

Name of the Church 413 

Nations shall tremble because of Zion 243 

New translation of the scriptures 440 

New Jerusalem . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 189 

New Covenant 131 

New name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4G1 

New, All things to be made 145 

New song 298 

Newel Knight, Revelation to 210 

Newel K. Whitney and others, Revelation to 415 



O. 

Oath and Covenant of God 292 

Officers, how to be ordained 127 

Office of a Bishop 257 

Offences, how dealt with 176 

Old covenants done away 131 

Oneness necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • 162 

One-hundred to go to Zion 367 

Order of Priesthood from Adam 289 

Order of Enoch 280 

Order in assemblies 191 

Order of the school of the prophets '. . . . • • 310 



600 INDEX. 

PAGE 

Ordination necessary 1 70 

Orson Pratt, Revelation to 153 

Orson Pratt and others, Revelation concerning 20? 



P. 

Parable of the twelve sons 102 

Parable of the wheat and tares explained 302 

Patten, David W., with Christ 431 

Pattern to detect the spirits 206 

Parents to teach their children 2Ti0 

Partridge, Edward, Revelation to 158 

Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, Revelation to 151 

Particulars of ordination 127 

Persecution, The cause of 427 

Plates of Nephi . . 101 

Plural Marriage *!%/ 

Poor to be administered unto 171 

Power of the Aaronic Priesthood 291 

Power to seal given 77 

Power of God in the ordinances of the Priesthood 290 

Prayer, Revelation on 243 

Prayers of the fathers answered 298 

Pray always 231 

Prayers to be observed 251 

Prayer and prophecy 420 

Preface to the Lord's commandments . . . . 77 

Presidents 385 

Presidents, how ordained 3S9 

Presidents of Deacons, Duty of 390 

Presidents of Teachers, Duty of 390 

Presidents of Priests, Duty of 369 

Presidents of Elders, Duty of 389 

Presidents of the High Priesthood, Duty of 445 

Presidents of Seventies, Duty of 393 

Priesthoods, Melchisedek and Aaronic . . 383 

Priesthood, Revelation on 3S3 

Priesthood of Moses 289 

Priesthood promised . . . . 80 

Pratt, Orson, Revelation to 15 3 

Proclamation to Kings 420 

Pride, Beware of 163 

Promised land 361 

Preaching to be done in meekness 348 



Q 

Questions answered on the revelations of St. John . . . . . . 275 

Questions answered on prophecy » . . . 411 



INDEX. 



301 



R 



Rebelious to be cast out 
Records kept back 

Record to be kept 

Recorders of baptism for the dead 
Reign of a thousand years 
Revelations, through whom given 
Revelation concerning the Twelve 
Riches for the saints 
Rigdon, Sidney, and others, Revelation to 
Robbers and thieves, how dealt with. . 



PAGE 

242 
91 
130 
451 
143 
178 
417 
1G3 
195 
17(3 



Salvation God's greatest gift to man 90 

Sacrament of the Lord's supper, how administered 128 

Satan to be bound < 188 

Saints to organize, in a civil capacity, according to law 182 

Saints to sue for peace 381 

Saints to travel, in America, by land . . . . . . . . . . . 230 

Saints shall hardly escape 236 

Sacred things to be spoken with care . . . . 238 

Sabbath day to be kept holy 224 

School of prophets in Zion 338 

Seeing God 328 

Shaking off the dust of the feet , . . . . 263 

Sick, not appointed unto death, held by faith 173 

Signs and wonders before the great day of the Lord ; 186 

Signs to follow the believer . . 294 

Signs come by faith 233 

Silence in heaven 315 

Song of the righteous, a prayer to God 137 

Sons of Perdition, No forgiveness for the 268 

Sons of Moses and Aaron 291 

Spirit and body, the soul of man 307 

Spirits innocent in the beginning 331 

Standard 183 

Standing High Councils in Zion 387 

Stewardships, The law of . . 258 

Stewardships, Account of 253 

Surplus means to be kept in the hands of the Bishop 204 

Sword of Laban Ill 



T. 

Taking the name of Christ 115 

Take no thought what ye shall say 296 

Take neither purse nor scrip 296 



502 



INDEX. 



Take no thought for the morrow , 

Temple, Commandment to build a 

Temple to be reared in this generation 

Temporal laws not given from God 

Ten tribes, Return of the 

Testimony of earthquakes, &c. 

Testimony of John (the baptist) 

Testimony recorded in heaven, for angels to behold 

Teach one another 

Teachings of the Spirit, how to know 

Terrestrial glory 

Telestial glory 

Thummim, Urim and . . 

Tithing, Day of . . 

Tithing, Revelation on . . 

Tithing, Disposition of . . 

Titles of Joseph Smith, Jr. 

Truth, what it is . . 

Transgressor not to partake of the sacrament 

Transgression bringeth persecution 

Translation, how to be done 

Trespassers to be forgiven 

Trifle not with sacred things 

Trumpets of the seven angels 



TAOR 

296 
434 
289 
146 
478 
314 
328 
231 
313 

96 
272 
272 
111 
241 
418 
419 
130 
330 
191 
365 

96 
345 

90 
315 



United Order 

Urim and Thummim 



373 
111 



Vengeance cometh upon the wicked 
Vision of three glories 
Visions in the Kirtland Temple 
View of the plates promised . . 
Voice of warning to all people . . 



340 

265 
404 
111 

77 



W 



Wash your feet against those who reject you 
Waters cursed in the latter days 
War, Revelation and prophecy on 
War among all people, except Zion . . 
Wheat and tares, Revelation explaining 
White stone, — a Urim and Thummim 

Wicked slay the wicked 

Wicked sealed up by the servants of God 



227 
229 
304 
190 
302 
4G1 
235 
77 



INDEX. 



503 



Widows and orphans provided for 

Wisdom to be Bought 

Word of the Lord shall not pass away 

Word of the Lord to Joseph, while in Liberty jail 

Word and will of the Lord to Brigham Young 1 

Word of wisdom 

Wo to him that skiyeth unnecessarily 

Wo unto deceivers and hypocrites 

Wo unto him by whom offences come 

Wo to them who reject you 



TAGE 

288 
318 
80 
421 
488 
321 
197 
199 
210 
297 



Y 

Year with God 310 

Year of the redeemed 480 

Years of accountability for children 128 

Young, Revelation to President B 488 



Z. 

Zion an ensign to the people 
Zion of Enoch taken by the Lord 
Zion to nourish before the Lord comes 

Zion to be caught up 

Zion, The presence and glory of God in 

Zion to be chastened 

Zion, the pure in heart 

Zion to be built up by the celestial law 

Zion's camp 



243 
184 
193 
298 
340 
326 
340 
378 
367 



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